A big issue in 2024 was USDA’s push for “climate-smart” ag practices. The department poured $3 billion in tax dollars into getting farmers to enroll in projects to reduce emissions and sequester carbon.
With a new administration now in office, many are wondering what might lie ahead.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law spoke with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander on efforts under the previous administration, the impact on producers, and how new leadership could change USDA’s policies.
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Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
Until a phased reopening is inked, plan for tighter feeder availability, firmer basis near border yards, and continued reliance on domestic and Canadian sources.
