We are waiting for full confirmation of USDA nominee Brooke Rollins.
Washington insiders tell RFD-TV that they expect the full Senate vote before the week is up. However, it is still unclear when that will happen. The Senate Ag Committee voted unanimously to advance her nomination after her hearing last month. Now, farmers and ranchers want to see her in place as the new Administration begins to roll out its agenda.
While she waits for that vote, she is spending some time with her family at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo! She posted on X, bragging about her son, Jake, who was showing his shorthorn. Rollins says Jake has been showing animals for almost a decade, and she is proud of all he has accomplished.
Something Rollins will need to tackle out of the gate will be the spending freeze issued by President Trump, which includes several USDA programs. Democratic lawmakers on the Ag Committees have raised concerns about the pause, saying farmers and ranchers are now caught in the middle. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall told Agri-Pulse that he is urging President Trump to honor funding commitments to farmers through climate-smart programs.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
January 08, 2026 02:45 PM
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Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
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Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
January 08, 2026 08:00 AM
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Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.
January 08, 2026 06:00 AM
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Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
January 07, 2026 06:00 PM
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
January 07, 2026 11:55 AM
