Champions of Rural America: U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama on Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Farmers

Congressman Gary Palmer of Alabama joined us to discuss federal overreach, transparency efforts, and legislative solutions impacting agriculture on this week’s Champions of Rural America.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Addressing federal overreach in agriculture has long been a priority for farmers, with ongoing concerns ranging from water rights to property restrictions and a number of legal cases over the years.

Congressman Gary Palmer of Alabama joined us on this week’s Champions of Rural America to take a closer look at efforts to bring transparency to federal settlement agreements.

In his interview with RFD News, Palmer discussed a recent House Oversight Committee roundtable on the growing use of lawfare against American agriculture, sharing key takeaways from the discussion. He also outlined his recently introduced “SAID Act,” explaining how the legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability for federal settlement agreements.

Palmer went on to address the burden of overregulation on farmers and discussed how litigation has shaped farm policy. He also spoke about what farmers can do to support themselves and the industry amid the current affordability challenges.

Finally, he shared his perspective on potential solutions to help agriculture address ongoing concerns over federal overreach.

Related Stories
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
South Texas farmers say water shortages continue despite Mexico’s renewed payments under the 1944 Water Treaty.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Student volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo are teaching visitors about agriculture through the FFA Children’s Barnyard ahead of the Junior Sale of Champions.
The fun continues in Nashville next year at CattleCon 2027!
Joined by her parents and sisters, we go beyond Kirbe’s job hosting FarmHER + RanchHER to discover the person and story behind the show.
Quick to prep and packed with flavor, this dish is a bold way to kick up any weekend spread.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln President Dr. Jeffrey Gold talks about heart health and preventive care for viewers in rural communities.
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.