Champions of Rural America: Rep. Jeff Hurd on balancing conservation efforts with economic development

The Congressional Western Caucus has advocated for agriculture and rural Americans for more than 30 years. In this week’s Champions of Rural America, we are getting an update on the latest efforts to balance conservation efforts with economic development.

Related Stories
New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.