U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has been answering questions before the Senate Ag Committee for her confirmation hearing.
Vermont Senator Peter Welch had the chance to ask Rollins a few questions, one of which included adequate labor for dairy farmers. He says the state cannot milk their cows without immigrant labor and wants to make sure whatever decisions are made on the border do not deprive dairy farms access to labor.
“I know there is great concern amongst our ag community on what immigration under President Trump will look like. My commitment to you is this - that understanding the data and understanding the impact of those in the ag community, dairy farms, I think especially, are concerned, but everybody is. Ensuring that we’re working with the nominee over at Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who is from Oregon...I know that these cows need to be milked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It doesn’t go away. If there’s no one to milk them, then that’s big trouble.”
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.
January 30, 2026 03:42 PM
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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.
January 30, 2026 12:51 PM
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A rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend, affecting the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the mid‑Atlantic and New England.
January 30, 2026 10:52 AM
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
January 29, 2026 02:52 PM
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Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
January 29, 2026 01:25 PM
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Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
January 29, 2026 06:00 AM
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