Get data specific to your state

Local grants, county subsidy payments, nearby auctions, and state deadlines — delivered daily.

Action Deadlines

Agriculture News

Trump budget proposal cuts $5 billion from 'bloated' USDA

Capital Press

$5 billion USDA budget cut proposed by Trump, plus extended pause on digester loan guarantees—if you run cattle or poultry, watch these moves closely. Strong beef prices now may not offset tighter government support down the road. Check your lender about available programs before they tighten further.

Auctions

Four regional livestock auctions hit the block same day—April 8th across Iowa, Georgia, and Missouri. Cattle operators in the Central Plains, Southeast, and South Central should scout their nearest yard (Humeston IA, Athens GA, Vienna MO, or Farmington MO) to check feeder or breeding stock before spring turnout. Mark the date now if you're restocking or culling.

Market Prices

Livestock as of 04/07/2026 (USDA daily)

Grants & Funding

$22M available through Apr 16, 2026 for veterinary services in rural areas—NIFA funds programs that boost animal health and herd profitability. Most relevant if you're struggling to access affordable vet care or run a livestock operation in an underserved region. Check eligibility; this may support existing vet clinics serving your county rather than direct farm payments.

Recent USDA Awards

Lincoln County just pulled $191M for watershed work—largest payout here. If you're in high-risk flood or wildfire zones (Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, California), check if your county or fire district applied. Boll weevil, pest control, and wildfire defense grants are actively moving money; worth asking your extension office if you qualify.

Subsidy Payments

$16.2 billion went out nationally last year, with top counties concentrated in Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota corn belt. If you're row crop heavy in those regions, check your own county's payment history—margins matter, and knowing what your neighbors pulled in helps you plan. County-level data may shift your thinking on diversification or scale.

Drought Status

Western corn and cattle operations face 45-60% of normal precipitation through September. USDA Livestock Forage Disaster Program applications close October 15—check your county's designation now. Marginal drought counties may not qualify; severe drought triggers higher payments. Verify your acreage status before the deadline hits.

Know a farmer who needs this?

Forward this email — it's free for everyone.