‘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
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.
We caught up with John Deere’s Hay & Forage Got-To Market Manager Kaylene Ballesteros to learn how tech is evolving how producers make hay, from baling efficiency to operator confidence.
Mexico has fallen behind by several hundred thousand acre-feet in required water deliveries to the United States, a shortfall that has had devastating consequences across the Rio Grande Valley.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discusses expected changes to the 45Z tax credit and what they could mean for agriculture and rural America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A SCOTUS ruling on Trump’s tariffs could have long-term implications on the authority of future administrations to control U.S. trade policy, according to RFD-TV legal expert Roger McEowen.
The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
Agriculture Shows
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.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.