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.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with his insights on the incident and a deeper dive into the issues at hand.
September 08, 2025 12:00 PM
·
As the Trump Administration seeks out new global trade partnerships, Congress is considering more support for farmers, which comes as the Federal Reserve warns that farmers need a safety net.
September 08, 2025 11:47 AM
·
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins will travel to Europe and Asia to seek new trade partnerships for U.S. crops after China reduced imports due to tariffs.
September 08, 2025 11:45 AM
·
The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
September 05, 2025 05:09 PM
·
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
September 05, 2025 01:21 PM
·
September 05, 2025 12:09 PM
·
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
September 05, 2025 11:10 AM
·
The amendments affect BLM lands in several Western states. Comments on the Sage grouse proposals can be made to the BLM National NEPA Register until Oct. 3.
September 04, 2025 02:16 PM
·
Mike Formica with the National Pork Producers Council joined us on Market Day Report with his reaction to the EPA’s rollback of a Biden-era wastewater discharge mitigation plan.
September 04, 2025 01:41 PM
·
