NDFU President Reacts to USDA’s America First Trade Promotion Program

North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us Monday to share his perspective on the America First Trade Promotion Program and potential implications for producers.

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.

Related Stories
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.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Crop Insurance, and a Business Planning Complication
While treatable with a vaccine, anthrax is a dangerous threat to cattle herd health if not identified and treated immediately.
Beal joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss her election to NASDA’s presidency, challenges facing American agriculture, and her background as a Mainer and dairy farmer.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert Roger McEowen joined us Friday to break down the executive order and what it means for farmers and ranchers.
Chad Rezniek with the Colorado AgrAbility Project joined us as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week to discuss the growing need for behavioral health support in rural communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to break down what this extension means for affected ranchers.
Potash has seen the most significant decline, falling 11 percent over the same five-year period.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
Culver’s Senior Marketing Manager Alison Demmer joins us to share the company’s deep-rooted partnership with FFA and ongoing commitment to support agriculture education.
Chancey Williams joins us in the studio to share his history with FFA as we continue our Countdown to Convention sponsored by Culver’s.
FarmHER Erin Cumings shares how Nationwide’s “Every STEP Counts” helps farm and agribusiness owners prioritize safety.
The idea of buying more beef from Argentina does not sit well with much of farm country, raising some questions from analysts and producers.
As we continue our Countdown to Convention presented by Culver’s, we meet some of the people who help bring the event to life.