USDA is moving closer to giving farmers faster access to agricultural statistics through typed or spoken questions. Today’s Ag News Update also covers diesel prices, small meat processing, expanding milk production, restaurant spending and Taiwan’s extension of agricultural import relief.

Listen to today’s Ag News Update:

Ag News Update – Thursday 09/24/2026

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is nearing technology that could let farmers retrieve agricultural data by typing or speaking a question. Administrator Joe Parsons says the agency is building on its Ag Insights platform while protecting the accuracy of market-sensitive reports. Fuel analyst Patrick De Haan says banning U.S. diesel exports could provide limited short-term relief but weaken refinery economics without fixing the global shortage driving prices. USDA is also reducing regulatory and startup barriers for small meat processors while maintaining federal food-safety requirements. August milk production in the 24 major states rose 1.8% as cow numbers increased, while per-cow output changed little. Americans spent about $1.415 trillion on food away from home in 2025, outpacing growth in grocery spending. Taiwan has extended tax and tariff relief on imported corn, soybeans, wheat, beef and selected dairy products through March 31, 2027.

Today’s Ag News Highlights
USDA NASS is nearing typed and voice access to agricultural statistics.
Patrick De Haan says a diesel export ban could create new refinery and supply problems.
August milk production rose as the U.S. dairy herd expanded.
Restaurant spending continued growing faster than grocery spending.
Taiwan extended import tax and tariff relief through March 2027.