LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (RFD NEWS) — Reliable and affordable energy infrastructure is becoming a growing focus for rural America as the U.S. works to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. Efforts are underway to modernize aging power grids in rural communities while keeping costs manageable for residents and producers.
Ryan Norris, Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss strategies for modernizing energy infrastructure without burdening rural families, farmers, and agricultural producers.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, Norris addresses how permitting and regulatory reform are being implemented in rural communities and why affordable, reliable power is critical for agriculture and economic competitiveness. He also highlighted Arkansas’ role in providing 15 percent of the nation’s lithium supply and discussed how critical minerals like lithium fit into America’s broader energy security strategy.
FBN co-founder Charles Baron previews the upcoming Farmer2Farmer event and how technology and AI are shaping the industry, offering growers practical insights and farmer-led strategies for modern agriculture.
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The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
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Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
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The Ranger Road Fire spreads from the Oklahoma Panhandle into Kansas as high winds and red flag conditions persist
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Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
February 19, 2026 11:41 AM
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
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