Richard Fordyce is also waiting for his time before lawmakers. He has been picked for Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. It would be his second go-around with USDA, an opportunity he says he is excited about.
“You know, it’s been four years since I’ve been at USDA as the administrator, so you know, I think it’s going to take some time to get in and see how things are different today, and so I don’t really have any planned things on a bucket list other than to do our very best to represent American agriculture, and specifically, farmers and ranchers across the country.”
Farming is in Fordyce’s blood, saying it makes him uniquely qualified for the role.
“I’m a farmer from Northwest Missouri. You know, that’s all I’ve ever wanted to be when I was growing up and wanted to be like my dad and, you know when I went to work last time at USDA. I mean, what a thrill. You know, what a thrill to be a part of some of the programs that we did then. We implemented the 2018 Farm Bill, which, man, that was an insight into an activity that I would have never guessed I would have had the opportunity to do.”
Fordyce will have to be confirmed by the Senate before taking office. So far, his hearing has not been scheduled.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
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USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
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Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
January 23, 2026 11:56 AM
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Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
January 23, 2026 08:00 AM
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Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
January 22, 2026 12:56 PM
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Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
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