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.
The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that had been approved by the House the previous week. They could take it up again today, but it would take seven democrats to end the stalemate.
September 30, 2025 11:26 AM
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Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
September 29, 2025 02:14 PM
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RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us Monday to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.
September 29, 2025 01:57 PM
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North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us Monday to share his perspective on the America First Trade Promotion Program and potential implications for producers.
September 29, 2025 01:38 PM
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Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the USDA’s plan and potential impact on producers.
September 29, 2025 12:17 PM
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September 29, 2025 11:54 AM
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Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Crop Insurance, and a Business Planning Complication
September 28, 2025 01:56 PM
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Beal joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss her election to NASDA’s presidency, challenges facing American agriculture, and her background as a Mainer and dairy farmer.
September 26, 2025 03:12 PM
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RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert Roger McEowen joined us Friday to break down the executive order and what it means for farmers and ranchers.
September 26, 2025 02:47 PM
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