What Ag Retailers Need to Know: Farm Bill 2.0, USMCA, Dicamba, and D.C. Advocacy

In a recent episode of CropLife Retail Week, industry leaders broke down several fast-moving policy and regulatory developments that could shape the 2026 growing season and beyond. From Farm Bill 2.0 to USMCA renewal and dicamba’s return, the message was clear: agricultural retailers need to stay engaged, informed, and proactive.

Here’s what ag retailers should be watching — and why it matters.

Farm Bill 2.0: Policy Takes Center Stage

Movement on a new Farm Bill is finally underway in Washington, D.C. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson has introduced draft legislation, and markup is expected soon. While passage is far from guaranteed, progress alone signals renewed momentum.

Amy Asmus, co-owner of Asmus Farm Supply, explained that this iteration is being referred to as “Farm Bill 2.0” for a reason.

“When the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ passed, it included much of the funding typically addressed in the Farm Bill,” Asmus noted. “Some committees are referring to that as Farm Bill 1.0 because it handled the funding. Farm Bill 2.0 focuses more on policy changes, since much of the funding is already in place.”

For retailers, that distinction is important. Funding stability provides continuity for key programs, but policy updates could influence everything from conservation incentives to risk management tools and regulatory frameworks. Retailers should monitor how these policy shifts may affect grower customers, particularly regarding compliance, sustainability programs, and input demand.

“It still has a long way to go, but progress has started,” Asmus said — a reminder that engagement now can help shape the outcome.

USMCA Renewal: Certainty vs. Annual Uncertainty

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is up for renewal in July, and its future has direct implications for ag retailers — especially in nutrient markets like potash.

“The Senate Finance Committee recently held hearings on USMCA,” Asmus said. “From what I’ve heard, there’s bipartisan support for moving forward.”

However, retailers should be aware that if the three countries fail to agree on renewal terms, the agreement could shift to annual review cycles rather than a long-term extension. That would inject uncertainty into cross-border trade relationships.

“We do need certainty and we do need to solidify some of our trade agreements to ensure the market has a future as well,” Asmus emphasized.

Given Canada’s critical role in potash supply and Mexico’s importance in agricultural trade flows, retailers should prepare for possible pricing volatility or supply chain shifts if negotiations stall.

Dicamba Returns — But State Labels Matter

Perhaps the most immediate development affecting retailers is EPA’s reauthorization of over-the-top dicamba applications. While federal approval is in place, state-level requirements are already adding complexity.

“As of now, dicamba has a federal label,” Asmus said. “The only state-specific labels I’ve seen with additional restrictions are Illinois and Minnesota. That doesn’t mean others won’t follow. It’s critical for applicators to check both federal and state requirements.”

Retailers must be proactive in communicating label changes, training applicators, and verifying compliance. State restrictions may vary in cutoff dates, buffer requirements, or application conditions.

On the supply side, Asmus offered cautious optimism.

“All three companies indicated they expect sufficient supply this season, with no major allocation issues,” she said. “My prediction is that bulk delivery will be more readily available than packaged product, simply due to logistics.”

For retailers planning dicamba programs, confirming product form and delivery timing with suppliers will be key to avoiding bottlenecks during peak demand.

Advocacy in Action: Why Retailer Voices Matter

Beyond specific policies, one broader takeaway from the Retail Week discussion was the importance of advocacy. The upcoming Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Fly-In to Washington will bring more than 100 industry representatives to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and regulators.

“It’s always a productive event,” Asmus said. “More than 20 groups will conduct over 100 meetings on Capitol Hill. It’s an onslaught to get our voice heard.”

Retailers face a growing list of policy pressures — from pesticide regulation to trade agreements and sustainability standards. Direct engagement ensures real-world perspectives inform regulatory decisions.

Preparing for 2026

With Farm Bill negotiations underway, USMCA renewal on the horizon, dicamba back in play, and continued regulatory scrutiny at EPA, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year.

For ag retailers, the common thread across these issues is certainty — or the lack of it. Staying informed, maintaining close communication with suppliers, and actively engaging in advocacy efforts will position retailers to adapt quickly as policies evolve.

Asmus summed it up simply: “It’s definitely something to watch.”

To hear the full discussion and gain deeper insight into these developments, watch the latest episode of CropLife Retail Week and stay ahead of the changes shaping your business.