AAC-Ag Report 2.18.26

Welcome back, Arizona Aggies, to another edition of the Arizona Agriculture Connection, where we keep you updated on everything agriculture-related. This week, we bring exciting news from Washington D.C. to Buckeye Road.

Federal News: The Farm Bill is Here

The House has released the long-awaited Farm Bill. After the last bill expired in 2023, legislators delivered a Valentine’s surprise when the House Ag Committee released the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 on February 13th. This modernized five-year bill provides resources for critical agriculture programs through fiscal year 2031. It is organized into 12 titles, covering commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, rural development, research and extension, forestry, energy, horticulture and regulatory reform, crop insurance, and miscellaneous issues.

The miscellaneous section specifically addresses livestock health, new processing, and foreign farmland transparency while maintaining that states cannot impose production standards on livestock raised for interstate commerce. The bill is now awaiting consideration by the full House.

USDA Updates: Cattle Inventory and Sterile Fly Facilities

In other federal news, the USDA released its latest cattle inventory report for January, showing a slight decrease in inventory. As of 2026, Arizona maintains 90% inventory for cattle on feed compared to 2025, while nationwide figures show cattle and calves on feed are at a 75-year low. Despite the decline, the reduction isn't as steep as in previous years, offering hope for future growth in the cattle industry.

Moreover, the USDA has completed a sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Airbase in Edinburgh, Texas. This development will enhance the agency’s capability to distribute sterile flies along the US-Mexico border to prevent the northward movement of New World screwworm. Although this pest hasn't been detected in the United States, it has surfaced in the northern Mexican states of Tamaulipas, and Nuevo Leon. A dedicated sterile fly production facility is also planned at Moore Airbase, with an expected opening in Spring 2026.

Arizona News: Legislative Updates Impacting Agriculture

Back in Arizona, state legislature is actively working on critical bills impacting rural communities and agriculturalists. Here are a few highlights:

• HB 2197: Modifies unlawful camping by prohibiting camping within a quarter mile of water sources if it denies access to wildlife or domestic stock. This bill has passed.

• HB 2787: Prevents Arizona and its entities from using resources to support the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Program, opposing the Federal Endangered Species Act. This bill is paired with HCM 2006, urging federal reform of wildlife conservation acts to alleviate burdens on ranchers and support rural communities.

• HB 2150: Extends the state land department's life for four years until July 1st, 2030. This bill has also passed.

• SB 1519: Seeks to increase the maximum weight limit for ATVs and OHVs from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds. This bill has passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

• HB 2155: Involves the continuation of the Arizona Beef Council, which is now headed to the Senate.

For those eyeing financial support, the Arizona Department of Agriculture has opened the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with applications accepted until Friday, March 6th. You can find the application and more information at the LINK HERE.

Stay tuned, as the legislature continues its work on priority bills. We'll keep you informed on developments impacting our rural communities. Be sure to join us next week for our Agriculture Careers series, beginning with a focus on agricultural lending. Remember, it's not all math!