Senate Committees are full speed ahead with confirmation hearings beginning today for President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks.
Senator Chuck Grassley recently met with Trump’s pick to lead USDA, and says he urged Brooke Rollins to focus on new trade agreements.
“And I would suggest continuing where Trump left off, with starting negotiations with African countries, specifically with Kenya, where they were starting out. And then, the extent to which they can continue to negotiate with the United Kingdom.”
A handful of nominees will begin the confirmation process this week. The Senate Legislative calendar does not have a hearing set for Rollins.
Related Stories
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
