WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Washington is sharpening its focus on federal spending discipline as the nation’s debt load continues to climb, with potential ripple effects for agriculture and rural programs. The White House’s latest management agenda outlines a broad push to rein in costs, streamline agencies, and prioritize programs that deliver measurable returns, signaling tighter scrutiny of federal spending heading into 2026.
The initiative comes as total U.S. debt surpasses $36 trillion, with interest costs now rivaling major discretionary spending categories. While the agenda does not target agriculture directly, it emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and reduced duplication across government — principles likely to shape future funding debates at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other rural-facing agencies.
For agriculture, the timing matters. Producers are already facing margin pressure from weak crop prices, higher interest rates, and elevated input costs. At the same time, reliance on federal programs — from conservation and research to disaster aid and credit support — remains high across rural America.
Operationally, a tighter federal posture could mean slower program rollouts, stricter eligibility standards, and greater emphasis on cost-benefit justification. That environment favors producers and rural communities with strong financial records and clear compliance histories.
Farm Legal Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us to share more about the North Dakota court decsion and the its larger impact on agriculture.
December 15, 2025 01:47 PM
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Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
December 15, 2025 01:35 PM
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A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
December 15, 2025 12:15 PM
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Western Caucus member Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) details the SPEED Act on Champions of Rural America. The legislation aims to reform NEPA, streamline permitting, and expand domestic energy development.
December 12, 2025 03:58 PM
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“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
December 12, 2025 03:32 PM
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The specific provision in the CO₂ storage law allowed the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) to authorize carbon storage projects to proceed even if they lacked unanimous consent from all affected landowners.
December 11, 2025 04:15 PM
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Experts say flooding the zone with more money could have unintented consequences without opening new markets for planted crops and inputs under significant pressure.
December 11, 2025 12:25 PM
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Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.
December 11, 2025 11:35 AM
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December 11, 2025 10:49 AM
