Seth Meyer, director of the University of Missouri's Food and Ag Policy Research Institute (FAPRI), said on 2026-09-04 that farmers are expected to receive sizeable USDA farm program payments this fall for the 2025 crop year. ^[1] House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith stated that the U.S.-Canada trade negotiations are up to Ottawa and expressed concern that Canadian ministers signaled they want Republicans to lose. ^[2] Rep. Jason Smith warned that the escalating trade fight could jeopardize the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is being renegotiated. ^[3] The administration announced a move to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of duty-free lean beef into the U.S. to help lower grocery prices ahead of the midterm election. ^[4] The U.S. administration imposed a 50% tariff on $20 billion of Canadian goods, and Canada's retaliatory tariffs are set to take effect on September 8. ^[5] FAPRI expects farm program payments to expand again in fall 2027, when payments on up to 30 million additional base acres begin. ^[6] Seth Meyer said corn payments will be significant and cotton payments large, but payments will be across the board. ^[7]