ALBERTA, CANADA (RFD NEWS) — The Trump Administration is moving to designate glyphosate and phosphorus as critical to national defense, a controversial step highlighted this week by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy. Kennedy acknowledged the toxicity of these chemicals in a recent post on X, but said their availability is essential to maintaining U.S. crop yields and supporting the nation’s agricultural system.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, Haney explained why the designation is being made, including the strategic importance of certain chemicals to food production, and addressed the significance of Kennedy—a longtime critic of pesticides—supporting the move.
Haney also discussed what this could mean for producers as the government and ag leaders accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture, noting that while the designation preserves immediate access to chemicals like glyphosate, it also underscores a push toward reducing long-term reliance on synthetic inputs.
Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
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Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
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Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
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$11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops.
December 08, 2025 03:19 PM
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Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
December 08, 2025 02:05 PM
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Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
December 08, 2025 01:29 PM
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