‘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
Higher input costs are making flexible marketing plans and updated break-even targets more important.
Vermicompost business helps boost soil health from the ground up.
The House is moving forward with debate on the Farm Bill after a lengthy session in the House Rules Committee cleared the legislation for floor consideration.
Data center growth can bring opportunities, but competition for land, water, and power will matter more in rural areas.
Rail rulings, export terminal access, and equipment rules are becoming bigger factors in grain shipping costs and reliability.
Higher ocean freight rates can add export cost pressure even when grain demand remains active.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joins us to break down the latest USDA crop progress report, share insights from growers, and discuss how global factors are shaping planting decisions this season.
House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
To celebrate the release of A Beautiful Life, Dailey & Vincent are giving one fan the chance to win an unforgettable Nashville experience!
Dr. Peter Beetham with Cibus joins us to discuss the Supreme Court review of a case about glyphosate use, its potential impact on Bayer and Roundup, farmers who use the products, and the ag industry as a whole.
Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.
K-State researchers advise producers to take action, highlighting that prevention is essential for controlling tick populations as cases spread West.
Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.