The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of four members to serve on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. The four members will serve three-year terms, effective immediately through Aug. 5, 2029.

The newly appointed members are:

Danny Beyer, Sorghum and Corn Producer, Odem, Texas
Raquel Hansen, Soybean and Corn Producer, Owatonna, Minn.
Cary Sifferath, Vice President, U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, Alexandria, Va.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Packers and Stockyards Division (PSD) monitors industry activities and conducts regulatory compliance reviews and investigations to determine whether subject persons and firms are complying with the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act and regulations.

Providing Economic Relief to Farmers Amidst Changing Market Conditions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a Clingstone Peach Diversion Program to provide reimbursements to producers for the voluntary removal of peach trees. The program will further USDA’s goal to put farmers first by addressing industry needs amid changing market conditions.

• 05-01-2026 – USDA-AMS Letter in USBC-2026-0166 2027 Commodity Flow Survey (pdf)
• 07-28-2026 – USDA-AMS Letter in DOT-OST-2026-1387 Shaping the Future of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (pdf)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $2.4 million in funding available through the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP). The funding will support projects that strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of U.S. sheep and sheep products through infrastructure improvement, business and resource development, technical assistance, market development, and innovative approaches to address long-term industry needs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of six members to serve on the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. The six members will serve three-year terms, effective immediately through June 30, 2029.

The newly appointed members are:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its intent to purchase up to $76.5 million in agricultural commodities from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country.

These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Fresh, Frozen, and Processed Fruit, Atlantic Groundfish, and Farm-Raised Catfish products for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (Section 32).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting comments on a proposed rule to establish the quantity of each class of spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and parts of Nevada and Utah (Far West) that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2026-2027 marketing year.

When can I submit an application?

The FY26 grant applicant period is open. Applications are due October 2, 2026. Please refer to the AMS Transportation and Marketing Program Grants and Cooperative Agreements Late, Nonresponsive, and Incomplete Applications Policy  for more information. For any questions related to the SPMGP, contact IPPGrants@usda.gov.