Tariffs will be top of mind as Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins gets to work at the helm of the USDA. They are a big part of President Trump’s agenda, but some worry the ag industry could see some impacts. One International Policy analyst thinks Trump is putting tariffs on the wrong items.
“If you’re going to do tariffs, don’t do it on things that your firms are buying in order to produce stuff. Do it on the end products, do it on foreign cars coming in that are competing with cars made in America,” said Tim Sargent.
However, one ag economist says tariffs do have a purpose.
“The reason that we use tariffs might be to raise funds. It might be to protect American jobs, to grow American industries, and we can look at that from the slant that, okay, maybe perhaps that’ll work,” said Craig Lemoine.
Yesterday, the President ordered government agencies to study reciprocal tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade. Their reports are due on April 1st.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that imposing duties without Congressional authorization exceeds presidential powers. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the potential trade and agriculture implications of the recent ruling.
February 20, 2026 10:09 AM
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The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
February 19, 2026 01:48 PM
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Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
February 19, 2026 01:28 PM
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Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
February 19, 2026 11:41 AM
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
February 19, 2026 11:18 AM
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Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
February 18, 2026 01:49 PM
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