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
Nick Andersen, Nationwide’s VP of Agribusiness Claims, shares tips for managing weather-related risks in agriculture using their new Hail and Wind Alert Program.
October 13, 2025 01:57 PM
·
“Good flies? Is that like a good fire ant?” Miller said. “I don’t know what a good fly is. I don’t know if they’re afraid to kill house flies or stable flies, but I’m ready to kill the screwworm fly.”
October 13, 2025 01:28 PM
·
President Trump has long supported a direct line from Alberta’s oil fields to the Midwest.
October 13, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Tidal Grow Agri-Science joins us to celebrate Global Fertilizer Day, sharing how innovation continues to drive American agriculture forward.
October 13, 2025 12:20 PM
·
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging Congress and the Trump Administration to act quickly on behalf of American agriculture.
October 13, 2025 11:42 AM
·
Better yield measurement means fairer grids, more precise breeding targets, and more dollars for truly efficient cattle.
October 13, 2025 10:45 AM
·
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.
October 13, 2025 10:40 AM
·
“A can for your favorite pie, bread, or whatever, it is probably Illinois-grown.”
October 10, 2025 10:35 AM
Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.
October 09, 2025 05:10 PM
·
