Managing Current Financial Pressures in Agriculture

RFD-TV farm legal and taxation expert, Roger McOwen, joins us with his perspective on what farmers can expect from the delayed aid package.

TOPEKA, Kan. (RFD-TV) — With a government shutdown delaying a potential aid package for farmers, many in the ag sector are growing concerned about the future of the Farm Bill and the timing of federal relief efforts.

RFD-TV farm legal and taxation expert, Roger McOwen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what farmers can expect from the delayed aid package.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, McOwen discussed the uncertainty surrounding the relief package, noting that details may remain on hold until the shutdown is resolved. He also addressed the increasing interest among producers in agricultural liens as a financing option to cover operational costs during challenging times.

McOwen also explained the basics of how ag liens work, outlined the main categories, and clarified what happens when multiple creditors hold liens on the same property.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Understanding lien rules and prioritizing clear communication with lenders is critical to navigating the current financial pressures in agriculture.

LEARN MORE: Firm to Farm — On-Farm Processing Facilities; Ag Liens; Gifting Equipment; and Portability

Related Stories
Livestock Conservancy Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger explains the upcoming poultry census and ongoing efforts to preserve rare and heritage poultry breeds raised across the U.S.
Alliant Chairman of Agriculture and former U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns explains the R&D Tax Credit, the recent Tax Court ruling, and ways livestock producers and agribusinesses can qualify.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses the EPA’s rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases and what it could mean for agriculture and rural America.
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
USDA’s Quarterly Grain Stocks report shows increased supplies across all major commodities, with corn, soybeans, and wheat stocks all rising compared to a year ago. Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses producer and market sentiment ahead of the key report.
Acre shifts reflect margins, costs, and market opportunities.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler breaks down the Grocery Guarantee Program, its goals for expanding farmer access to capital, and its potential impact on food production and prices.
Cattle farmer Scott Porter, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farmer of the Year, discusses his commitment to mentorship and the importance of strengthening the future of agriculture.
The USDA’s upcoming reports will drop on Tuesday afternoon, giving the trade real results on acreage shifts, drought concerns, and ongoing trade tensions, adding uncertainty for U.S. farmers.