EVENTS
- Women’s History Month
- Total Lunar Eclipse (most of North America) - March 13
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
TRUMP’S TARIFF TACTICS SHAKE MARKETS
In his first 50 days in office, President Trump’s trade policy has already shaken markets, with a special focus on tariffs targeting China. Arlan Suderman of StoneX discusses the ongoing efforts to contain China, noting that while Mexico and Canada are part of the equation, China remains the primary focus. Suderman also highlights the potential for relief in the biofuel industry as Trump pushes for more domestic sales.
BUDGET BATTLE LOOMS AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN NEARS
This week, lawmakers are racing against the clock to pass a fiscal budget and avert a potential government shutdown on Friday. Key elements in the proposed continuing resolution include Medicare reimbursements and increased funding for the WIC program, though it does not address year-round E-15 sales. Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing today to discuss the current state of the farm economy.
POULTRY VACCINATION AGAINST H5N1 REMAINS UNLIKELY
Despite growing concerns over bird flu outbreaks and skyrocketing egg prices, federal health agencies, including the NIH, CDC, and FDA, advise against vaccinating poultry. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised alarms about the potential for the virus to mutate and infect humans if birds are vaccinated without sterilizing immunity.
CORN GROWERS PUSH FOR E-15 VICTORY
More than 9,000 corn growers from 47 states are calling on lawmakers to remove federal obstacles to year-round E-15 sales, arguing it would provide vital relief to consumers and the corn industry. As farm bankruptcies rise, they’re also pushing back against the threat of losing access to glyphosate, which they say would drastically increase input costs and compromise food security.
5. MIDWEST FACES DANGEROUS FIRE WEATHER
Red flag warnings have been issued across several states in the Midwest due to dry conditions and high winds, creating an elevated risk of rapidly spreading wildfires. The National Weather Service cautions against outdoor burning and warns that high winds could make travel hazardous for high-profile vehicles like semi-trucks. Meanwhile, drought conditions persist in key western regions, particularly in the Colorado River Basin.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently visited wildfire- and hurricane-stricken areas of western North Carolina. Rollins highlighted the USDA’s efforts to work with local and state agencies to support communities and restore public lands crucial to rural residents.
