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.
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
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Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
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Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
January 14, 2026 06:00 AM
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.
January 13, 2026 03:36 PM
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
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Brent Graves, auctioneer and mentor, shares his journey supporting youth in agriculture, livestock competitions, and how he is turning junior livestock auctions into a classroom for youth in agriculture.
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China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
January 13, 2026 01:31 PM
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Larger grain stocks increase supply pressure, but strong fall disappearance — especially for corn and sorghum — suggests demand remains an important offset.
January 13, 2026 01:02 PM
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