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.
Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.
October 07, 2025 02:37 PM
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Lewis Williamson, from HTS Commodities, joined us to share insights on the farm economy from producers in the field.
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Dr. Mark Svoboda with the National Drought Mitigation Center discusses a new global drought report and resources to help operations increase drought resilience.
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Treat financial stress as a health risk—know the warning signs, normalize conversations, and connect farm families to local and national support early.
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Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
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Focus on home radon testing—not changing your diet—because background sources vastly outweigh any exposure from naturally radioactive foods.
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Despite tariffs having a less significant impact on exports, corn producers struggle with tariff-related increases on inputs, which complicates their bottom line.
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Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
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