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.
Hurd joined this week’s Champions of Rural America to review the proposed Farm Bill moving through the House and discuss its potential impact on rural communities and farmers across the country.
March 06, 2026 01:04 PM
·
Nutrition policy shifts may influence retail demand across agriculture.
March 05, 2026 02:59 PM
·
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
March 05, 2026 02:04 PM
·
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
March 05, 2026 01:16 PM
·
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
March 05, 2026 12:09 PM
·
Cuban economic reforms could open up nearby export demand, but policy execution remains the key uncertainty.
March 05, 2026 10:33 AM
·
