Congress has a big agenda this year between budget talks, the Farm Bill, and various other ag policy concerns. However, the American Farm Bureau says action on tax policy should be a top priority, starting with the estate tax.
“Families are already going through a very difficult time when they lose a loved one and are passing the farm on, and so, this adds an additional burden of trying to come up with up to 40 percent of your farm’s value to pay the IRS. Most of farm assets come from non-liquid assets, mainly land. So, as land becomes more valuable, even when farms are facing losses, they’re now being pushed above that exemption level due to rising land values,” said Samantha Ayoub.
The Farm Bureau says at the end of the day, it all comes down to giving farmers and ranchers certainty, adding without permanent changes, farmers and ranchers are at risk.
Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
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The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
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The changing political climate in America is leading to a drop in migrant crossings near the U.S.-Mexico border, where ranchers like Dr. Mike Vickers say they witnessed horrors from death to child trafficking.
January 30, 2026 11:47 AM
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Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
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Sen. Amy Klobuchar has four years remaining in her Senate term and could decide to continue serving in that role while campaigning for Governor of Minnesota.
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Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
January 28, 2026 11:35 AM
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