EVENTS
- Women’s History Month
- Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon) - March 13, visible in most of North America
TODAY’S RURAL RUNDOWN FROM RFD-TV NEWS:
INFLATION EVIDENT IN LATEST CPI REPORT
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February showed a 0.2-percent increase in consumer prices and inflation month over month and a 2.8-percent rise on the year. The shelter index increased by 0.3%, while the energy and food indices rose by 0.2%.
But how are consumers reacting to higher prices?
BANKERS WARN OF CHALLENGES AHEAD FOR FARMERS
Bankers across the country are reporting financial strain in the agriculture sector. During a Senate Ag Committee hearing this week, one loan officer noted that capital is running out in farm country, with some regions—especially in the Midwest and Southeast—facing multiple years of financial losses. These issues have led to the implementation of “workout plans” for struggling farmers.
Economists at Purdue University reported an 11-point increase in the Ag Economy Barometer for February, although there was little change in producer sentiment about prospects. The U.S. House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through September. However, averting a shutdown relies upon several tense negotiations in the Senate to find a resolution, including Medicare reimbursements and increased funding for the WIC program (though it does not address year-round E-15 sales).
Furthermore, the success of lawmakers’ discussions has further implications when they resume discussions on the forthcoming Farm Bill, which first expired on Sept. 30, 2024. In the last congressional session, lawmakers voted to extend the existing Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018, for another year. Still, as time passes, that legislation fails to address more modern issues facing farmers and ranchers. In an exclusive interview with RFD-TV News, U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins shared her optimism that a Farm Bill would pass in 2025.
TRADE POLICY AND TARIFFS’ IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE
In his first 50 days in office, President Donald Trump‘s trade policy has shaken markets but continues to have a more “slow burn” impact on America’s agricultural landscape. The National Ag Law Center noted that while tariffs have been used in previous administrations, the current scope and magnitude differ.
Sec. Brooke Rollins supported the Administration’s stance, emphasizing the importance of U.S. production. Recently, Rollins met with her Mexican counterpart to discuss trade relations and the trade imbalance, while Japan’s request to be exempt from U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum was denied. The 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum is set to begin today, and the tariff rate on imports from Canada has been adjusted to 50 percent.
“MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN?”
In a letter to USDA Secretary Rollins, FDA Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, more than 300 food and agriculture organizations expressed concern over the Trump Administration’s initiative “Make America Healthy Again.” These organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, advocate for policies that rely on sound agricultural studies and research when addressing issues such as pesticides, biotechnology, and food/feed ingredients, emphasizing the need to maintain an affordable and safe food supply.
USDA TO REINSTATE FIRED PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES
The USDA announced that it will reinstate probationary employees terminated last month, following a ruling by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), an independent, quasi-judicial agency in the executive branch of the Federal Government that serves as the guardian of Federal merit systems run by three leaders appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The MSPB found that the terminations likely violated federal personnel law.
The USDA initially laid off approximately 6,000 probationary employees, but under the ruling, those employees—including federal national park employees—will return to pay status and be provided with payback. Those federal workers will continue to be paid as the USDA develops a “phased plan for return-to-duty.”
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: WOMEN IN FFA
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture! Every day in March, we will showcase feel-good stories and interviews highlighting the passion and persistence of the powerful women in agriculture
Today, we look at how women have played a pivotal role in the National FFA Organization over the last 50 years, following the organization’s formal acceptance of female members. In those resounding decades, women’s participation has continued to grow and evolve. Let’s learn how the Women of FFA forged their path in the organization and advocated for the farming community!
