A comprehensive weekly policy briefing for U.S. pork producers
Government Shutdown Ends; USDA Reopens and Farm Programs Resume
A record-setting 43-day federal government shutdown officially ended this week, restoring full operations across federal agencies that pork producers depend on daily.
The Senate and House approved a short-term funding package, which the President signed on Wednesday, reopening the government and ensuring continuity for critical agricultural functions.
Under the bill:
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Most federal agencies are funded through Jan. 30, 2026.
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USDA receives full funding through Sept. 30, 2026, covering the remainder of the fiscal year.
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Funding ensures continued support for Farm Bill programs, research, and essential animal health services.
During the shutdown, key federal activities such as USDA Veterinary Services swine health programs, research conducted by the Agricultural Research Service, and many administrative functions had halted due to staff furloughs.
NPPC’s earlier work helped secure “essential” designations for operations like Livestock Mandatory Reporting, ensuring producers still had access to twice-daily market information and that meat inspection remained active.
Congress also added language directing USDA to deliver a report within 180 days examining how state-level mandates and regulations — including California’s Prop 12 — affect food prices and market consolidation. This request signals growing Congressional interest in the economic ripple effects of state-specific livestock rules.
Why it matters:
Producers depend heavily on USDA programs for loans, market data, disaster assistance, inspections, disease monitoring, and research. Restoring these services provides stability at a time when margins are tight and policy uncertainty adds operational risk. Funding USDA through FY2026 also shields agriculture from potential shutdown disruptions for nearly a full year.
Agricultural Producers Move Closer to a Workable WOTUS Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to release a revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule in the coming days. The updated version reflects the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision narrowing the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.
The forthcoming rule is anticipated to:
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Limit federal authority to streams, rivers, oceans, lakes, and wetlands that share a continuous surface connection to those waters.
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Remove federal oversight of agricultural features such as drainage ditches, isolated low areas, stock ponds, ephemeral streams, and wet spots that appear after rainfall.
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Clarify ambiguous preamble language that had expanded the Biden-era rule far beyond the Court’s intent.
NPPC and other agricultural groups have consistently pushed for a rule that provides clear, practical boundaries for producers, ensuring normal farm work cannot trigger costly permits or exposure to civil or criminal penalties.
Why it matters:
A predictable WOTUS rule gives producers confidence to operate without fear of regulatory overreach. The changes help protect routine farm activities — such as managing field drainage, maintaining ditches, or handling stormwater — from being swept into federal jurisdiction.
Agriculture and Business Groups Urge Congressional Support for International Institutions
NPPC joined nearly two dozen agriculture and business organizations in urging Congress to continue U.S. involvement and funding for international organizations that influence global standards, economic rules, and trade.
The groups sent a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership supporting investment in:
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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
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International Labour Organization (ILO)
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Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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World Trade Organization (WTO)
These institutions shape policies related to supply chains, food safety, labor, sustainability, trade access, and regulatory alignment.
While the administration has been reassessing U.S. funding commitments, the agriculture and business coalition stressed that disengagement would risk allowing global norms to shift away from U.S. science-based approaches.
The groups emphasized that strong U.S. participation helps prevent the development of rules that could restrict American agricultural exports or introduce protectionist barriers.
Why it matters:
Pork exports rely heavily on predictable international standards. Reduced U.S. influence could allow competing nations to shape global frameworks in ways that limit competitiveness, create new trade obstacles, or impose costly compliance requirements on U.S. producers.
NPPC to Highlight Policy Priorities at NAFB ‘Trade Talk’
NPPC will take part in the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s 82nd annual Trade Talk event in Kansas City, Missouri.
The event brings together farm broadcasters, students, industry leaders, and organizations to discuss current agriculture issues.
NPPC’s delegation — including staff experts, producers, and state pork leaders — will address a broad set of priority areas:
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Animal health and disease preparedness
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Market access and international trade
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Commerce and supply chain issues
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Environmental and energy policy
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Production and workforce topics
Trade Talk provides a high-impact platform for communicating pork industry needs directly to the agricultural media, ensuring producer concerns remain front and center on national policy discussions.
About NPPC
NPPC represents the interests of America’s 60,000+ pork producers, working to protect animal health, promote responsible environmental practices, expand market access, and ensure a competitive and sustainable pork industry.
