WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The ongoing government shutdown has many in agriculture wondering how the situation will affect farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. In this week’s Champions of Rural America, Congressman Dusty Johnson, the Republican from South Dakota, joined us to discuss recently introduced legislation aimed at preventing future shutdowns and supporting the farm economy.
During his interview with RFD-TV News, Rep. Johnson discussed the potential for upcoming aid announcements for farmers, sharing what he is hearing from producers across South Dakota. He addressed the current shutdown and explained his decision to forego his congressional paycheck until the issue is resolved while continuing to work toward a solution.
Johnson also provided insight into the newly introduced “Eliminate Shutdowns Act,” detailing how it could prevent similar disruptions in the future, and he offered guidance for South Dakotans and Western Americans on staying confident that their elected officials are advocating on their behalf. He shared a message of encouragement for farmers navigating challenging times in agriculture, including rising costs, trade uncertainties, and the current shutdown.
Additionally, Johnson discussed his bill, which would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to update base acres for all farms, highlighting the provisions that farmers can expect to benefit from. He also addressed how the Working Families Tax Cut continues to support stronger rural communities and detailed its potential impact on small towns across South Dakota.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
October 08, 2025 11:19 AM
·
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law dives into a “potpourri” of ag tax and law-related issues in his latest
Firm to Farm blog post.
October 07, 2025 02:56 PM
·
Lewis Williamson, from HTS Commodities, joined us to share insights on the farm economy from producers in the field.
October 07, 2025 12:47 PM
·
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
·
Focus on home radon testing—not changing your diet—because background sources vastly outweigh any exposure from naturally radioactive foods.
October 06, 2025 01:29 PM
·
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
October 06, 2025 11:23 AM
·
Consumer demand for regional food systems is strong, but the challenge lies in scaling production and infrastructure to meet that growing need.
October 03, 2025 02:57 PM
·
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
October 03, 2025 01:12 PM
·
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
October 03, 2025 01:04 PM
·
