‘Motorcade for Trade’ Reaches Washington After 2,800-Mile Journey Across Farm Country

Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — After a month on the road, Farmers for Free Trade’s “Motorcade for Trade” has reached the National Mall in Washington, D.C., completing a 2,800-mile journey through 11 states to gather farmers’ input on trade priorities.

Brian Kuehl, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade, joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share more about the tour, which included multiple town halls and farm stops, allowing producers to share their views on the importance of expanded export markets and the challenges of trading with countries that “don’t always play fair.”

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Kuehl says the effort aims to remind policymakers that free and fair trade remains essential to farm profitability, especially as U.S.–China relations begin to stabilize and soybean prices see modest improvement.

Among the group’s key priorities:

  • New market agreements with meaningful tariff reductions
  • Exemptions for agricultural inputs from tariffs
  • A constructive USMCA review process
  • An overall reduction in global trade tensions
Related Stories
A new National Corn Growers study says U.S. grain producers pay significantly more than farmers in Brazil for seed and crop protection, as farmers also face fuel uncertainty and tight cattle supplies.
USDA’s July WASDE report projects the smallest U.S. wheat crop since 1970, tighter corn stocks, stronger soybean exports, larger cotton supplies, and higher cattle prices.
Attention now shifts toward the annual 25 million metric ton benchmark, equal to about 919 million bushels, for 2026 through 2028.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Soda discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor about mental health advocacy and Nationwide’s efforts to support the next generation of agriculture leaders.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum joins us to discuss USDA’s latest reports on crop acreage and grain stocks, and how they impact farm margins and trade outlook moving forward.
RealAg Radio Host Shaun Haney joins us to break down the StatCan’s acreage report as traders await similar data from the USDA.
A private acreage estimate points to fewer corn acres and more soybeans ahead of the USDA’s upcoming final acreage report this week.
For farmers and ranchers, the biggest near-term pieces are in the safety net.
Chip Cortez with Specialty Risk Insurance joins us to discuss farm safety priorities during National Safety Month.
Agriculture Shows
Agriculture is the most important industry in the world, and Ag PhD Daily brings you the information you need to best manage your business only on RFD-TV and RFD+
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.