WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — America’s farmers are running out of cushion. Rising costs, weaker commodity prices, and inconsistent policy signals are tightening margins across the countryside, says John Newton, Ph.D., vice president of public policy and economic analysis for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).
Despite producing the food, fiber, and fuel that drive $6 trillion in economic activity and support one in five U.S. jobs, many family farms face mounting uncertainty — not from weather, but from economic and regulatory strain. Newton argues that rebuilding stability requires “a promise worth keeping”: clear, consistent policies that restore certainty to farm operations nationwide.
AFBF’s key priorities include fair, enforceable trade agreements that protect market access; expanded support for biofuels such as ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel; and restoring whole milk options in schools to strengthen nutrition and dairy demand.
Newton also highlights the need to safeguard interstate commerce from conflicting state-level mandates, investigate pricing imbalances in fertilizer and equipment markets, and prioritize American-grown fruits and vegetables in federal purchasing. Each measure, he says, helps rebuild a dependable marketplace for producers.
Agriculture’s partnership among growers, buyers, and policymakers must be renewed, Newton concludes. “Keeping farmers in business is not optional — it’s essential to America’s strength.”
Farm-Level Takeaway: The Farm Bureau urges trade enforcement, biofuel growth, fair input pricing, and pro-farmer policy reforms to restore long-term certainty.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
October 30, 2025 06:21 PM
·
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
October 30, 2025 03:25 PM
·
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
October 30, 2025 02:30 PM
·
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
·
With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.
October 30, 2025 10:54 AM
·
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
October 30, 2025 10:37 AM
·
Rollins will also tour a small soybean operation in Iowa before her appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium.
October 29, 2025 05:03 PM
·
