NCFC CEO: America First Trade Promotion Will Expand Market Opportunities for U.S. Ag

Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the USDA’s plan and potential impact on producers.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — As producers continue to grapple with high input costs and challenging market conditions, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a new five-step plan aimed at supporting the farm economy. The initiative includes a “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) with the Department of Justice to examine fertilizer and seed prices, two of the most pressing cost concerns for farmers.

Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the plan and its potential impact on producers.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Simpson underscored the financial strain that rising input costs have placed on farmers and expressed optimism that the MOU could help bring transparency and fairness to the market. He also addressed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to expedite $285 million through the America First Trade Promotion Program, stating that the investment could open new opportunities for U.S. agricultural products abroad at a crucial time during the harvest.

Simpson further reflected on the challenges facing the ag community—from unpredictable markets to weather and supply chain disruptions—and shared his thoughts on whether the USDA’s new measures will be enough to provide meaningful relief for farmers nationwide.

Related Stories
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
While artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping both jobs and messaging in agriculture, CoBank data suggests human expertise still matters.
Bubba and Amy Miller run Miller Cattle Company in Eros, Louisiana. After visiting other homesteading fairs, they decided to put on their own.
The new AFBF Women in Agriculture survey is accepting responses from women in the industry across the United States now through March 31.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) representative Dr. Dirac Twidwell joins us with the latest on woody encroachment conservation efforts in the Great Plains.
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The newly elected Executive Vice President of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA), Dale Parker, joins us on-set to share his vision for his state’s cattle industry.
A leading Oklahoma veterinarian explains common symptoms of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) and warns owners to remain vigilant because it can spread quickly among horses.
National FFA President Trey Myers joins Monday’s FFA Today to share his hopes and goals for the 2025-2026 year as he steps into this opportunity to lead and serve the next generation of agriculture.
Watch the special this Saturday at 6:00 PM Eastern on RFD-TV
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
Tyson’s capacity cuts weaken local basis, tighten kill space, and heighten dependence on imports, signaling more volatility for producers.