Grain futures were mixed over the week, with the May corn contract falling to $4.5625 per bushel, down $0.1200 from last Friday. Meanwhile, May soybeans closed at $11.9425 per bushel, $0.0650 higher on the week.
We partner with Ever.Ag to provide highlights of weekly dairy market activities, along with a summary of key market indicators.
Minnesota Milk hosts annual Ice Cream Day at the Capitol
Source: Minnesota Milk
Minnesota Milk held its annual Ice Cream Day at the Capitol event in St. Paul on May 6. Board members had meaningful conversations with legislators from across the state, including Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, Thom Petersen, about the issues, opportunities and priorities impacting dairy farmers and rural communities. Events like this are an important reminder that dairy farmers’ voices matter in policy conversations shaping the industry.
Farm bill update
Source: Torrey Advisory Group
After a tense few days where the fate of a farm bill vote was in the balance, debate on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 began after 11 PM on April 29. During a three-hour, middle of the night session, amendments were offered, with debate continuing through the morning of April 30th.
Ultimately, the bill passed 224-200 with fourteen Democrats voting for final passage and three Republicans voting against the bill (roll call votes can be found here).
At one point, the farm bill was paired with a year-round E-15 bill, but it became clear that the provisions may cause certain members of the Republican party who were going to vote for the farm bill to oppose it. As a result, E-15 provisions were stripped from the farm bill process, and instead, action has been punted to mid-May when the House returns from recess.
Of the 350+ farm bill amendments filed, 57 amendments were considered on the House floor. Twenty-four amendments were adopted, along with an en bloc amendment. Click here to view the results of amendment votes.
The Senate Agriculture Committee will now have to move forward with their version of a farm bill, which Committee Chair John Boozman (R-AR) says will be coming in the following weeks. However, it is unclear whether the Democrats and Republicans will be able to compromise on a path forward as funding levels and certain provisions are already points of contention. E15, the SNAP cost-share with states, and disaster relief funding will all be main points of negotiation as conversations develop.
International Year of the Woman Farmer: Featuring five female farmers
Source: Dairy Stream
In honor of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the new Dairy Stream episode features five women in agriculture, sharing their perspectives, experiences and the traditions that shaped them. This episode also highlights how these women celebrate family on the farm and the influence of the women who came before them.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging farmers and ranchers to prioritize their mental well-being and continue conversations about mental health in agriculture. The organization is also reminding rural communities that support systems, and helpful resources are available for those facing stress and emotional challenges.
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