USDA Scraps Natural Grass Sod Research Plan After Vote Fail

2026-11883 — Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas; Continuance Referendum

Pecan growers in 16 states will vote from July 6 to August 3, 2026, on whether to keep the current rules that help manage pecan marketing. Only growers who produce a lot of pecans or own enough pecan acres can vote. This decision affects how pecans are handled and could impact growers’ costs and sales in the future.

2026-11847 — Pecans Grown in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas; Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

The USDA wants to keep collecting info from pecan growers in 16 states and update how they do it. This affects farmers in places like Texas, Georgia, and California, helping the government keep pecan marketing smooth and fair. If you grow pecans, you’ve got until August 11, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra costs, just a little paperwork refresh!

2026-10880 — Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems; Delay of Effective Date

The USDA is pushing back the start date for new rules about how poultry growers get paid and how capital improvements are handled. Instead of starting July 1, 2026, these rules won’t take effect until December 31, 2027. This delay gives everyone more time to think through the changes and what they mean for growers and poultry dealers.

2026-10378 — Onions Grown in South Texas; Temporary Suspension of Continuance Referendum

Onion growers in South Texas won’t have to vote in the usual 2026 continuance referendum because it’s temporarily paused. This pause lets the USDA focus on updating the marketing rules first, giving farmers time to adjust before the next vote, which won’t happen until 2032. The change kicks in May 26, 2026, and could affect how onions are marketed and sold, but no extra costs are expected right now.

2026-09571 — Designation Opportunities for United States Grain Standards Act

The USDA is opening up chances for companies and state agencies to become official grain inspectors in six areas because some current inspectors’ designations are ending or were canceled. If you want to apply or share your thoughts on the current inspectors, you’ve got from June 1 to June 30, 2026, to do it. This is a great opportunity for new players to step in and keep grain inspections running smoothly, with no fees mentioned.

2026-09326 — Kiwifruit Grown in California; Continuance Referendum

California kiwifruit growers will vote from May 18 to June 8, 2026, on whether to keep the current rules that help manage how kiwifruit is grown and sold. Only growers who produced fresh-market kiwifruit between August 2024 and July 2025 can vote. This vote decides if the marketing order continues, which affects how the industry works and could impact growers’ costs and sales.

Previous: 2025-09663 — Safety Zone; Ohio River MM 469.5-470.5 and Licking River MM 0.0 to 0.3, Cincinnati, OH

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone on parts of the Ohio and Licking Rivers near Cincinnati for the Red Bull Flugtag event on August 9, 2025. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission. This keeps everyone safe during the fun but wild flying competition—no extra costs, just clear rules for that day.

Next: 2025-09704 — Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Certification and Labeling Requirements for Rear Impact Protection Guards

The FMCSA wants to drop the rule that requires permanent certification labels on rear impact guards for trailers. This change helps motor carriers avoid headaches when labels wear off, without lowering safety standards. It mainly affects trailer owners and makers, with no extra costs or delays expected.