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.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
January 27, 2026 02:53 PM
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Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
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RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
January 27, 2026 11:51 AM
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New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
January 27, 2026 11:17 AM
Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
January 26, 2026 02:30 PM
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Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
January 26, 2026 01:33 PM
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Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
January 26, 2026 09:41 AM
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
January 23, 2026 05:05 PM
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.
January 23, 2026 02:00 PM
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