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.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
December 23, 2025 02:01 PM
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Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
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More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
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Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
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With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
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Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
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Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
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