All About: Ag PhD

Hosted by Darren and Brian Hefty since 1998, Ag PhD is Information for Agriculture. Around the country and around the world, agriculture producers watch and listen to Ag PhD. For the latest information on how to take your operation from good to great, tune into Ag PhD. The program includes a wide range of agronomic information from how to maximize your fertilizer program & tiling to stopping those yield-robbing insects and crop diseases and more. Plus, enjoy our weekly segments, including Farm Basics, Iron Talk, and the Weed of the Week. Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and we bring you the information you need to best manage your business.

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Ag Education & Resources

RFD NEWS STAFF

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Business

Dairy Industry Starts New Year Celebrating Big Wins in Washington

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.

January 20, 2026 03:25 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Livestock

‘K-Shaped’ Consumer Spending Splits Meat Demand as Herd Stability Remains Uncertain

Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.

January 20, 2026 02:47 PM

Tony St. James

Crops

Ethanol Emerges as Key Market Solution for Corn

Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.

January 20, 2026 02:04 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Trade

U.S. Trade Policy Uncertainty Ripples Through Agriculture

From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.

January 20, 2026 01:14 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Business

Proposed Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific Merger Goes Off the Rails

The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.

January 20, 2026 12:25 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Rural Lifestyle

Recap: Midland County Junior Livestock Show

Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.

January 20, 2026 08:00 AM

Marion Kirkpatrick