FARGO, N.D. (RFD-TV) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently unveiled a new five-step plan designed to strengthen the farm economy as producers face high input costs and mounting market challenges. A key piece of the plan is a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Justice aimed at investigating fertilizer and seed prices—two of the most significant expenses for farmers.
North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the announcement and discuss its potential implications for producers in his state and nationwide.
In an interview with RFD-TV News, Watne emphasized the urgent need to address rising input costs, stating that the MOU has the potential to increase transparency and level the playing field for family farmers.
Watne also weighed in on the USDA’s decision to expedite $285 million through the America First Trade Promotion Program to help expand global market access for U.S. commodities, a timely move as harvest season gains momentum.
Lastly, he discussed President Trump’s recent comments about directing aid to farmers through tariff revenues, sharing his thoughts on how an aid package could best support producers.
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
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Katie Keener with the National Women in Agriculture Association joins us to celebrate women in agriculture and spotlight programs and initiatives aimed at empowering female producers across the country.
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Nationwide’s Elizabeth Duncan and Traci Via with Agriculture Future of America highlight the impact of women in agriculture and how mentorship and partnerships empower future farmers and ranchers.
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UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how geopolitical developments in the Middle East can create energy-driven pressures that impact the supply chain and reshape demand for certain ag products.
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