Executive department steering farming, food policy and rural affairs
The Asian jumping worm and the New World screwworm are being closely watched as they move closer to U.S. borders. Authorities warn these pests could degrade soils, threaten livestock, and disrupt ecosystems. Officials are expanding surveillance and pursuing prevention and containment measures.
Inflation in food at home and for prepared meals has accelerated in April, reaching 2.9% year over year for groceries and 3.2% for total food. Energy costs and supply disruptions are shaping prices, with experts warning that the full impact may appear in coming months.
Drought and heat have deepened losses for U.S. wheat farmers as irrigation and drought conditions worsen. Growers report sharply lower yields and higher input costs, with USDA data forecasting a historically small crop and insurance considerations shaping farmer decisions.
The UN World Food Programme has intensified emergency food and nutrition aid as hunger risks rise amid conflict, climate shocks, and funding shortfalls across multiple regions, including Sudan and South Sudan. Delivery faces security and transport hurdles with the rainy season approaching.
A series of policy changes and local actions across the US and Hawaii are threatening tax credits, farm and rooftop solar projects, and small-business solar adoption. While some communities push for faster rooftop and street-level solar deployments, lawmakers are revisiting credits and funding rules, risking delays for ongoing installations and new deployments.
McDonald’s has announced its global growth strategy, dubbed McDonald’s > NEXT, to enhance restaurant design, menu quality, customer service and automation. Details and financial targets are to be shared at an investor day in September, as the chain seeks to defend market share amid new rivals and cautious consumer spending.
The New World screwworm re-emerged in Texas after decades of eradication, with a calf found in La Pryor marking the first U.S. cattle case since the 1960s. Authorities are deploying sterile flies, expanding production, and tightening cross-border controls as Canada imposes imports limits and additional cases emerge in Texas.
The New World screwworm has re-emerged in the U.S., with cases detected in Texas and New Mexico, triggering cross-border restrictions and a major USDA response. Authorities are deploying sterile flies to suppress the pest while preparing additional facilities, amid high beef prices and a fragile cattle herd.
A Foot-and-Mouth outbreak in Uganda has triggered calls for intensified vaccination and stricter movement checks as farmers in Lyengoma Village blame contested grazing land, while authorities push to prevent wider spread.
Whey protein prices have surged to record levels as demand from GLP-1 weight‑loss drug users and the food industry outpaces supply. Prices for concentrate and 80% whey protein are at records, pushing costs for small brands higher while producers explore blends to ease shortages.
Scotland’s ski season has defied expectations, with 2025/26 marking the best skier-days tally since 2017/18, at 139,445 across five resorts. Snowfall and weather variability complicate the picture, but the skier-days metric shows more people choosing Scotland’s hills despite conditions.
Gasoline costs have fallen below the $4 threshold as the Strait of Hormuz reopens under a U.S.–Iran accord. Prices remain volatile and relief is slow to reach all regions; flows are still normalizing and broader inflation remains a concern.
The US Farm Bill is considering tighter Buy American rules, with a cap on non-US foods for school meals rising concern among nutrition directors about banana imports and the availability of healthy options.
Danone has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court alleging Chobani inflates protein claims on multiple-serving tubs of Chobani 20G Protein, a rival to Danone’s Oikos Pro. The case underscores how protein claims are shaping competition in the US amid rising GLP-1 weight-loss drug use. Danone says Chobani’s labeling misleads consumers and undercuts its pricing. Chobani rejects the allegations; analysts note concerns over capacity and competitive dynamics.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
The New World screwworm fly has reappeared in U.S. cattle, expanding from initial detections in June. Officials are deploying sterile-fly programs, traps, and close herd checks to curb spread. The outbreak risks the $113 billion cattle industry and can affect pets and wildlife; rapid veterinary treatment remains crucial.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has expanded its animal cruelty and fraud investigation into Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, California. Since January 2025, about 900 dogs were transferred to the sanctuary, but only 116 have been adopted, leaving over 700 unaccounted for. Ground-penetrating radar and excavations have uncovered dozens of dog remains, a horse, and hundreds of bones. Authorities describe the scene as a mass grave and are examining potential fraud and mismanagement.
Google has released a stand-alone Google Finance app for Android, bringing the AI-powered web facelift to mobile. The app mirrors the updated Finance web experience, including AI-generated key moments, an AI research tool, and chat-based insights tied to users’ portfolios and watchlists. An iOS version is planned for later, with more features rolling out over time.
California has moved to standardize consumer-facing food date labels, banning “sell by” dates and introducing two main labels: “Best if Used By” for quality and “Use By” for safety. The change aims to reduce food waste and climate-warming emissions, with New York pursuing a similar path. Implementation begins July 1, 2026, with some older stock remaining in stores during the transition.
The FDA has classified Utz’s recall of Zapp’s and Dirty chips as Class 1, indicating a serious health risk. The recall covers several product lines with best-by dates July 27–August 31, 2026. Utz first issued the recall in April after a third-party dry milk powder seasoning ingredient was flagged as a possible Salmonella source; thus far, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard affected chips or seek refunds.
Maryland County's new superintendent has vowed to push an agriculture-focused development plan, prioritizing education, local land use, and inclusive governance, as he tours communities in Harper and Pleebo. The plan includes processing equipment for farmers and reforms to land practices, with an emphasis on locally benefiting the county and sustainable development ahead of Liberia's bicentennial.
Walmart has announced price cuts on summer barbecue essentials, including ground beef, chips and drinks, with a 12% drop on a one-pound beef patty. The move follows White House pressure claims and comes as beef prices hit record highs due to drought and rising feed costs. Trump has praised the retailer, while the White House says it is taking steps to reduce costs for working families.
Public health officials report rising cyclospora infections linked to contaminated produce. Authorities urge thorough washing and cooking to kill the parasite, advise peeling where possible, and caution against household cleaners on produce. New numbers reflect updates since yesterday’s briefing.