Friends of Brooke Rollins describe behind-the-scenes of her confirmation hearing

The farm sector heard key priorities from USDA Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Ag Committee.

Friends with Rollins, who served alongside her during her time in the FFA, were in attendance. Marci Schnitker and Brent Graves joined RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender to discuss their time with Brooke in the FFA, what it was like being at the hearing, and their special moment of prayer.

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Crops

#PLANT26: Tennessee Row-Crop Farmers See Rapid Planting Progress After Much-Needed Rain

Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.

April 30, 2026 05:12 PM

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Rural Money

Rural Money: New USDA Base Acre Plan Could Reshape Program Decisions This Fall, Neiffer Says

Paul Neiffer joined us to explain how USDA’s base acre expansion will be calculated, outline key deadlines for farmers, and discuss how the changes tie into farm program decisions and the broader Farm Bill outlook.

April 30, 2026 04:51 PM

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FarmTech

Purdue Long-Term Farm Study Finds Precision Ag ROI Not Guaranteed Across Operations

Chad Fiechter joins us to discuss Purdue’s precision ag study, challenges in capturing value from technology, and what farmers should consider when investing in and adopting these tools.

April 30, 2026 04:40 PM

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Energy

Slower Ethanol Production Offset by Export Surge and Steady Demand Signals

Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.

April 30, 2026 01:38 PM

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Trade

AFBF Economist: USDA Efforts to Boost Fertilizer Supply Will Not Ease Short-Term Price Pressure on Farmers

Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum discusses USDA’s efforts to expand fertilizer capacity, signals for farm profitability, and AFBF’s Farm Bill expectations.

April 30, 2026 01:22 PM

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U.S. Farm Bill

U.S. House Passes Farm Bill with 224-200 Vote, Now Heads to Senate for Debate

Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt joins us to discuss House passage of the Farm Bill, its potential impact on farm profitability and stability, key policy compromises, and the outlook for Senate consideration.

April 30, 2026 11:18 AM

Marion Kirkpatrick