WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, and member of the Congressional Western Caucus, has been advocating for crop farmers, livestock producers, and the biofuels industry since taking office in 2021. He serves on the House Agriculture and Ways and Means Committees and has focused on legislation supporting rural communities.
On this week’s Champions of Rural America, Feenstra joined us to discuss his work on the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” Act (OBBBA), which included measures benefiting farmers such as a $15 million estate tax exemption, lower crop insurance costs, increased reference prices for corn and soybeans, and immediate expensing for new farm facilities. He emphasized that lawmakers also earmarked funding to invest across all sectors of the ag industry—from improving biosecurity to prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases to supporting tax incentives for farm equipment and infrastructure.
While Feenstra highlighted the bill’s benefits, he stressed the importance of passing a comprehensive Farm Bill to secure conservation and research funding, improve export markets, and ensure refrigeration for dairy, cattle, and hogs. He also explained the importance of protecting American farmland from foreign adversaries, for example, the recent move to add phosphate and potash to the list of critical minerals to strengthen domestic fertilizer production.
In closing, Feenstra highlighted rural America’s vital role in feeding the world, producing domestic energy, and supporting the biofuels industry.
Michelle Perez shares more about the American Farmland Trust’s resource to help farmers and producers plan soil health improvements.
December 19, 2025 02:03 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
December 19, 2025 01:56 PM
·
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
December 19, 2025 01:43 PM
·
FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel joins FFA Today to share her story and excitement to connect with FFA members nationwide.
December 19, 2025 01:37 PM
·
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
December 19, 2025 01:14 PM
·
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
December 19, 2025 01:05 PM
·
Weather-driven transportation disruptions can tighten logistics, affect basis levels, and delay grain movement during winter months.
December 19, 2025 12:55 PM
·
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg outlines the Farm Bridge Assistance Program and responds to calls from lawmakers and ag leaders for more assistance and expanded trade opportunities for farmers.
December 19, 2025 12:46 PM
·
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
December 19, 2025 11:53 AM
·
