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.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
November 24, 2025 12:38 PM
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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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These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
November 24, 2025 10:09 AM
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November 21, 2025 07:30 PM
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Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.
November 21, 2025 02:25 PM
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