The Trump Administration has put a hold on all operations with the U.S. Agency for International Development, which is tasked by Congress to distribute humanitarian aid around the globe. Supporters say the Agency is rife with corruption, but some ag lawmakers warn millions of dollars of food could go to waste.
This week on X, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that hundreds of millions of dollars of American-grown food is in jeopardy of rotting at U.S. ports. Then late last night, USAID offices were shuttered globally without much notice.
In his weekly call with ag reporters, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said there has been a lot of waste in the program and said a 90-day waiting period is the right call.
“I think you have to separate those out, and I think before the 90 days are up, and maybe even today, you’re going to have some modifications of that. But, without a doubt, I think that USAID needs a really thorough investigation.”
USAID was started by Executive Order under President Kennedy in 1961. Congress codified its existence in 1998.
Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.
January 21, 2026 12:42 PM
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The Farm Bureau is making an urgent call to Congress for more farm support. Colton Lacina with Farmers National Company joined us to discuss farmland values and how market dynamics for the year ahead reflect stabilization rather than collapse.
January 21, 2026 12:30 PM
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Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
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President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
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Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
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