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.
Leslee Oden, president of the National Turkey Federation, and Jay Jandrain, CEO of Butterball, joined us in the studio on Monday to discuss the history, significance, and expectations surrounding this year’s presidential turkey pardon.
November 24, 2025 12:04 PM
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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
November 24, 2025 11:32 AM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
November 21, 2025 01:59 PM
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Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
November 21, 2025 01:56 PM
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Sen. Roger Marshall discusses the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what expanded milk options could mean for students and dairy farmers. Industry groups say it is a win for student nutrition and dairy producers.
November 21, 2025 01:19 PM
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Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
November 21, 2025 10:30 AM
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Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
November 20, 2025 05:00 PM
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Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
November 20, 2025 04:24 PM
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