USDA Opens Doors for New Grain Inspectors Nationwide
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Apply to Be an Official Grain Inspector
You can apply between June 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 to be designated to provide official grain inspection and weighing services in six geographic areas listed in the notice. Applicants must have a Login.gov account, a MyFGIS number, and access to FGISOnline Delegations/Designations and Export Registrations (DDR) before applying, and designations may be awarded for no longer than five years under section 7(g) of the USGSA.
Current Official Designations Ending
Several current official agencies have designations that will end on the dates listed: Grain Inspection Services of Texas, LLC (designation ended 02/26/2026); Amarillo Grain Exchange, Inc. (ends 09/30/2026); D.R. Schaal Agency, Inc. (ends 09/30/2026); North Carolina Department of Agriculture (ends 09/30/2026); Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (ends 09/30/2026); and State Grain Inspection, Inc. (ends 12/31/2026). These area designations being open is the reason USDA is accepting new applications.
Public Comments Are Solicited and Public
You may submit comments on the quality of services provided by the named official agencies from June 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026 at regulations.gov. All comments will be included in the public record, and the identity of commenters will be made public on the internet.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13393 — Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep and update its paperwork for checking and grading processed dairy products. This affects dairy plants that use USDA graders to make sure their products meet quality and safety standards. Comments on these changes are open until August 31, 2026, with no new costs expected for businesses.
2026-12846 — United States Standards for Grades of Orange Juice
The USDA just updated the rules for grading orange juice, especially how sweet Grade B pasteurized orange juice needs to be, matching FDA’s standards. This change affects juice makers and sellers by making grading clearer and more consistent, with no big cost impacts expected. The new standards are official as of June 25, 2026, so the juice world can sip with confidence!
2026-12563 — Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2025 Amendments)
The USDA is proposing to lower the value used to calculate extra fees on imported cotton, so importers pay the same as U.S. cotton growers. This update keeps the fees fair and reflects changes since 2024. Importers and businesses dealing with cotton products should weigh in by July 23, 2026, before the new rules take effect.
2026-12341 — Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, California; Increased Assessment Rate
If you grow or pack dates in Riverside County, California, get ready! The fee you pay per hundredweight of dates is proposed to jump from 5 cents to 25 cents starting with the 2025-2026 crop year. This change helps support the date industry and will stay in place until something new comes along. Don’t forget to share your thoughts by July 20, 2026!
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09570 — Notice of Meeting
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is meeting on May 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Washington, DC to talk about buildings, parks, memorials, and public art. If you care about how public spaces look or want to share your ideas, now’s your chance to speak up or send in comments. No money changes are mentioned, but this meeting shapes the future of our city’s cool spots!
Next: 2026-09572 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; AmeriCorps Education Award Transfer Forms
AmeriCorps is renewing its forms for members who want to transfer their education awards to family or friends. This update affects about 900 people yearly and keeps the process smooth without adding extra costs or time. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share them!