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.
Speaking about his administration’s tariff strategy, Trump acknowledged that producers could face financial strain in the short term but promised stopgap support.
September 25, 2025 01:07 PM
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Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.
September 25, 2025 01:01 PM
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U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.
September 25, 2025 11:51 AM
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The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
September 25, 2025 10:46 AM
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Fewer placements and historically low marketings point to tighter cattle supplies ahead, with Nebraska and Kansas gaining ground as Texas feedlots face supply pressure and the threat of New World Screwworm.
September 24, 2025 03:40 PM
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A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
September 24, 2025 02:41 PM
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