Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: Feb. 20, 2026: Farm economy future with USDA chief economist, Justin Benavidez

The Agriculture Department is anticipating a slightly easier 2026 for U.S. ag producers, with prices for major commodities nudging higher and input and labor costs moderating. We sat down with USDA Chief Economist Justin Benavidez at USDA's annual Ag Outlook Forum to discuss the department's projections.Then, Tara Smith with Torrey Advisory Group and Laura Wood with LWP Consulting discuss what's included – and what's left out of – of the House Ag Committee's recently unveiled farm bill text, and what they'll be watching for during the markup beginning Monday, Feb. 23.Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD