All morning, Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins has been in the hot seat before the Senate Ag Committee.
California Senator Adam Schiff had the chance to ask Rollins some questions, one including whether firefighters will receive necessary compensation for their work on the raging wildfires in the West if confirmed.
“100% yes. To watch the devastation in your beautiful state has been heartbreaking for all of us...I think that hopefully, if there’s any good that comes from this, if I’m confirmed, we can figure out how to be an even better, more impactful resource the next time this happens, and hopefully be able to work more closely, more quickly, with those on the ground across red states and blue states.”
As of last week, the Palisades Fire has scorched more than 23,000 acres.
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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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
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Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
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Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
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