The Dirt | August 2026 Agriculture News

This edition of The Dirt reflects the news and policy landscape as of the Farmers Hot Line August 2026 issue.

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AI Could Speed the Next Crop Breakthrough

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking on another role in agriculture, and this time the focus is on helping researchers develop the next generation of crops.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to launch an AI challenge later this year that will encourage researchers, universities and other agricultural innovators to create tools that can make better use of the agency’s extensive germplasm data. The effort is aimed at helping scientists sort through images, field observations and laboratory data to identify valuable plant traits more quickly.

The initiative is part of USDA’s broader Genesis Mission, which seeks to use AI to accelerate scientific discovery across agriculture. Officials say faster analysis could help speed plant breeding and support the development of crops that are more resilient, productive and better equipped to meet future production challenges.

USDA expects to release additional details about the competition in the coming months, with participating teams using shared AI and scientific research infrastructure to develop new tools for crop innovation.

Deere Expands Repair Access

When equipment goes down, getting it back in the field quickly can make all the difference. A new agreement between John Deere, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and five states aims to give farmers, ranchers and independent technicians more certainty when it comes to repairing Deere equipment.

The agreement formalizes Deere’s commitment to providing access to diagnostic and repair tools for current and future machines, giving customers more flexibility to perform repairs themselves or work with an independent service provider instead of relying solely on a dealership. It also gives the FTC and participating states a way to verify that Deere continues to meet those commitments over time.

The agreement resolves a dispute filed by the FTC and five states earlier this year, but it also highlights the ongoing discussion around right-to-repair in agriculture. As farm equipment becomes increasingly connected and technology-driven, access to diagnostic software and repair information has become a growing issue for producers looking to reduce downtime during planting, harvest and other critical times of the season.

While the debate over equipment repair is unlikely to end here, the agreement marks another step toward expanding repair options for Deere owners and independent technicians alike.

USDA Makes Changes to FSA Programs

Farming rarely follows a perfect forecast, and USDA is making changes to several programs designed to help producers navigate some of the challenges that come with weather, markets and unexpected losses.

The updates cover a wide range of operations, from livestock and specialty crop producers to cotton and sugar growers. Changes include earlier access to drought assistance, expanded coverage for certain fish and honeybee losses, higher payments for some livestock losses and new provisions under commodity loan programs.

USDA is also extending Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments through 2031, along with adjustments aimed at supporting cotton and sugar producers.

Some changes apply retroactively, while others take effect in 2026.

For producers managing everything from drought conditions to damaged trees or shifting commodity markets, the updates could change how and when support is available. Producers can contact their local Farm Service Agency office for details on eligibility and enrollment.

Caterpillar Adds $5M Workforce Investment

Finding skilled workers has become one of the biggest challenges across manufacturing, and Caterpillar is putting new resources toward building that pipeline.

The company has launched a Texas workforce initiative with up to $5 million in funding to support training programs for advanced manufacturing and technician careers.

The effort is part of Caterpillar’s broader Building the Future Workforce Initiative, a five-year, $100 million investment focused on developing the next generation of skilled workers.

The program will focus on reducing barriers to training, creating pathways from education to employment and helping workers develop skills tied to modern manufacturing technologies. Caterpillar will work with Texas State Technical College, the Manufacturing Institute and local organizations to connect students and job seekers with career opportunities.

Texas was selected as the second state in the initiative, with Caterpillar citing its strong manufacturing base and the company’s long-standing presence in the state. The company employs more than 6,600 people across Texas, including at its Irving headquarters and 17 facilities statewide.

Honorable Mentions

(What we didn’t have room for on the porch railing)

• USDA announced 10 more meat and poultry companies have adopted the voluntary Product of USA label
• USDA awarded nearly $20 million to 68 Farm to School projects connecting local farmers and producers with school meal programs
• John Deere unveiled the C1450T air cart, adding larger capacity and new precision features for seeding operations
• New Holland launches Speedrower 1 Series windrowers and updates Roll-Belt 1 Series balers with durability upgrades, net protection and new technology options