https://www.rfdtv.com/news/washington-policy/usda USDA en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:05:12 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/new-farmers-grow-in-number-but-face-higher-risk-and-land-access-challenges USDA research shows beginning farmers face lower survival rates but improve outcomes through risk management, diversification, and support programs. WESTBURY, N.Y. (RFD NEWS) — New research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing beginning farmers and ranchers as they work to establish long-term operations. Farms operated by beginning producers tend to be smaller, with fewer assets and lower overall debt levels. These operations are more likely to rent land, sell through local or niche markets, and receive fewer government payments compared to more established farms. However, survival rates remain slightly lower. Operations led entirely by beginning farmers were 2 to 3 percentage points less likely to survive over a 10-year period compared to farms that included more experienced producers. The report identifies several factors tied to higher success rates. Beginning farmers who participate in crop insurance programs, utilize USDA support programs, and diversify into value-added or local markets tend to improve their chances of long-term survival. More than one million beginning farmers currently operate across 196 million acres, making their success critical to the future of U.S. agriculture as the farming population continues to age. Access to farmland remains one of the biggest barriers facing aspiring producers, while transitioning out of farming can also present challenges that put valuable farmland at risk. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust joined us on Wednesday's Market Day Report to discuss efforts aimed at addressing farmland access and long-term land transition. In her interview with RFD NEWS, Exline spoke about the challenges new and beginning farmers face in accessing farmland, as well as the broader implications those barriers can have for agricultural production. She also addressed concerns about farmland being lost without clear pathways for transition to the next generation of producers. Exline also highlighted the work of the American Farmland Trust in New York and New Jersey to support farmland access and strengthen transition opportunities for retiring and beginning farmers. Finally, she discussed what she has seen as key factors in creating successful matches between younger farmers seeking land and older farmers preparing to transition out of production. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:05:12 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/new-farmers-grow-in-number-but-face-higher-risk-and-land-access-challenges https://www.rfdtv.com/corn-inspections-lead-weekly-usda-export-movement-report Strong corn movement continues to drive U.S. export demand, while soybeans and wheat remain mixed week to week. Total inspections reached just over 3.12 million metric tons for the week ending April 9. WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The latest grain inspections report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows strong corn movement continuing to drive U.S. export demand, while soybeans and wheat remain mixed week-to-week. Total inspections reached just over 3.12 million metric tons for the week ending April 9. Corn inspections totaled roughly 70.2 million bushels, down from the previous week but still well above last year. Marketing year-to-date corn movement now exceeds 1.98 billion bushels, running significantly ahead of last year’s pace. Sorghum inspections also showed strength at about 8.0 million bushels, continuing a strong export trend, and almost all going to China. Soybean inspections came in near 29.9 million bushels, slightly above the prior week but still trailing last year’s pace. Year-to-date soybean exports remain well below a year ago, reflecting slower global demand and continued pressure from Brazil. China remained a key buyer this week, along with Egypt and Mexico. Wheat inspections totaled approximately 11.8 million bushels, down week-over-week but still ahead of last year’s cumulative pace at about 773 million bushels. Mexico, Japan, and Nigeria were among the primary destinations. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:30 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/corn-inspections-lead-weekly-usda-export-movement-report https://www.rfdtv.com/usda-announces-payments-under-the-2026-pima-cotton-and-wool-trust-funds March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs. (Washington, D.C., April 14, 2026, USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces payments under the 2026 Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund and the 2026 Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund. The U.S. textile industry has historically enjoyed strong support and assistance from the U.S. Government; however, various trade agreements and other unfair practices during the last 20 years have resulted in a decline not just in textiles, but across domestic manufacturing in general. Currently, U.S. fabric and clothing manufacturers must comply with a tariff inversion — a tariff policy that reduces the cost of moving production overseas and exporting finished goods back into the United States compared with importing fabric and manufacturing domestically. The annual Pima Cotton and Wool trust payments provide financial support to U.S. companies equal to the benefits manufacturers would receive if duty reductions remained in effect, allowing them to grow payrolls, increase production, and regain market share. “U.S. textile companies produce world-renowned quality products and employ a highly skilled workforce,” said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden. “These payments strengthen our domestic manufacturers and ensure a fair playing field for American textiles, helping rebuild this important industry. More American companies should take advantage of this program and manufacture more of the clothing we all wear here in the U.S.A.” Section 12314 of the 2014 Farm Bill established the Pima Cotton Trust, which USDA administers. The Pima Cotton Trust is currently funded through 2031 with $16 million in Commodity Credit Corporation funds each year. The purpose of the Pima Cotton Trust is to reduce the economic injury to domestic cotton manufacturers resulting from tariffs on cotton fabric that are higher than tariffs on certain apparel articles made of cotton fabric. The law mandates payments under the Pima Cotton Trust as follows: 25 percent to one or more nationally recognized associations established for the promotion of Pima cotton for use in textile and apparel goods. 25 percent to yarn spinners of Pima cotton that produce ring-spun cotton yarns in the United States. 50 percent to manufacturers that cut and sew cotton shirts in the United States and that certify that they used imported cotton fabric in the preceding year. Section 12315 of the 2014 Farm Bill established the Wool Trust, which USDA also administers. The Wool Trust is currently funded through 2031 with up to $30 million in CCC funds per year. The purpose of the Wool Trust is to reduce the injury to domestic manufacturers resulting from tariffs on certain wool fabric that are higher than tariffs on certain apparel articles made of wool fabric. The Wool Trust provides four types of payments: Payments to manufacturers of certain worsted wool fabrics. Monetization of the wool tariff-rate quota. Duty compensation payments for wool yarn, wool fiber and wool top. Refunds of duties paid on imports of certain wool products. March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs. ### Press release provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:45:26 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/usda-announces-payments-under-the-2026-pima-cotton-and-wool-trust-funds https://www.rfdtv.com/the-math-doesnt-work-dairy-farmers-turn-to-stewardship-to-boost-profitability-and-efficiency-as-costs-rise Dairy leaders say stewardship boosts efficiency and profitability as producers navigate rising costs, global uncertainty, and evolving market pressures. WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — New data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) show spring planting is off to a strong start, even as economic uncertainty continues to shape farmer decision-making across the country. According to the latest USDA's Crop Progress Report, for the week of April 13, five percent of the U.S. corn crop has been planted across the top 18 growing states—slightly ahead of the five-year average of 4 percent. Soybean planting is moving even faster, with 6 percent of the crop now in the ground, well ahead of the 2 percent average. Winter wheat development is also progressing, with 11 percent of the crop now headed. However, condition ratings remain mixed, with 34% rated good to excellent, while 32% falls into the poor to very poor category. As planting season ramps up, economists say some growers are reconsidering their crop mix. Analysts at Terrain report a shift toward soybeans and away from corn, driven largely by rising input costs and changing price signals. Soybean prices climbed nearly 12 percent in the first quarter on strong biofuel demand, while corn prices rose about 4 percent over the same period. At the same time, higher fertilizer and energy costs are making corn—a more input-intensive crop—less attractive for some producers. Jason Vander Kooy of Save Family Farming says rising costs are creating difficult decisions for growers. "When these input prices increase — now we're seeing 25 percent on fuel and fertilizer in the last couple of weeks — the math doesn't work," Vander Kooy said. "How do we recoup those costs? Do we just go ahead and farm at a loss? Do we not plant the crop? There are some tough decisions coming up." Vander Kooy adds that farmers in Washington state face especially steep challenges due to higher regional costs. "As a dairy farmer, the milk prices we receive are pretty much the same across the country, within probably a dollar," Vander Kooy continued. "Yet, we farmed in probably the highest cost area in the nation. So, we're at a severe disadvantage when it comes to fertilizer, energy, land, and labor. We're at the top of the country in all those categories, so it puts us at a great disadvantage when we're trying to survive against states like Texas, South Dakota, and others that have a great cost advantage over us." Meanwhile, global supply concerns are adding another layer of uncertainty. Ongoing disruptions tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are tightening fertilizer availability and pushing markets into what analysts call unfamiliar territory. StoneX economist Josh Linville says the situation is unprecedented. "It just continues to make a bad situation worse for the global nitrogen markets," Linville said. "Every day that the strait remains closed has a massive impact on supplies. Every day the Strait of Hormuz is closed down, it has a massive impact on the phosphate markets, so it's unfortunate. I mean, if you had told me the day before the attack happened, 'this is what's going to happen. You're going to see the Strait of Hormuz shut down, even for a short term.' I probably would have sat there and said, 'yeah, no, that's something we've always talked about. It ain't going to happen.' And then it did shut down. If you had told me it was going to last six-plus weeks, I would have always said there's no way. It's too important. Here we are. Man, we're all making educated guesses. We have never, ever seen anything anywhere close to this magnitude of an issue with global fertilizer supplies." While many farmers have secured fertilizer for spring planting, Linville warns that the bigger concern lies ahead. "So, there are layers to this, and this is where a lot of this confusion starts to come in," he explained. "When we look at our overall, let's just say nitrogen, most of the UAN and anhydrous that we need, we produce. We import very little of it, so we're in good shape on those two. Urea: We import quite a bit, but our imports through March and our forecast for April show we're in good shape. Not great. I'd feel better if that stuff were actually sitting here. But we're in good shape. The big fear is that, like this week, we've got an India tender going on. They're looking for 2.5 million tons. If their price is high enough, these vessels en route to the U.S. could easily be turned around and headed back to India if they're higher-paying. And that's what my biggest concern is, and that's why I keep saying we're in good shape, not great shape." Even fertilizer that has reached the U.S. may face additional logistical hurdles, including transportation bottlenecks across river, rail, and trucking systems. Globally, countries are taking steps to secure supply. In Australia, officials have launched a government-industry task force to protect access to urea, with roughly 60% of the nation’s supply typically passing through the Strait of Hormuz. While reserves remain stable for now, analysts warn that ongoing disruptions could eventually ripple through to consumers as higher food prices. Stewardship is a term often used in agriculture, but in the dairy industry, it is more than just resource management—it is a business strategy aimed at improving efficiency and profitability. Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) joined us on Tuesday's Market Day Report for a closer look. In his interview with RFD NEWS, Bjerga explains how stewardship and profitability are often discussed separately, but in reality, they are closely connected for dairy producers. He outlines how practices that improve resource efficiency can also boost the bottom line. Bjerga also discusses how stewardship strengthens export competitiveness and what sets dairy’s sustainability efforts apart, including key strategies used across the industry. Looking ahead, Bjerga shares how the dairy sector can continue advancing stewardship while navigating today’s economic challenges. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:51:38 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/the-math-doesnt-work-dairy-farmers-turn-to-stewardship-to-boost-profitability-and-efficiency-as-costs-rise https://www.rfdtv.com/usda-announces-specialty-crop-investment-thanks-to-working-families-tax-cuts U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the availability of over $275 million in grant funding in FY2026 for the specialty crop industry in the United States through three USDA programs. (Lansing, MI, April 13, 2026, USDA) — Today in Michigan alongside U.S. Representative Tom Barrett, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the availability of over $275 million in grant funding in FY2026 for the specialty crop industry in the United States through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), and the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP). Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, USDA is able to provide $175 million per year for SCRI, more than double the previous amount of $80 million per year. The Working Families Tax Cut also increased the total funding available for SCBGP and SCMP from $85 million per year to $100 million per year starting in FY2026. “The Working Families Tax Cuts provided the largest investment in American agriculture, including boosting support for America’s specialty crop producers. At a time when more Americans are demanding whole, nutritious foods aligned with the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, at USDA we are ensuring the farmers who grow these foods have the tools necessary to continue their operations,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “It’s thanks to members of Congress like Tom Barrett that Michigan specialty crop producers and those around the country will be able to use these boosted investments.” “I was proud to deliver tax relief and real investments for Michigan agriculture in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, including in research, education, and marketing for our state’s many specialty crops,” said Congressman Tom Barrett. “I’m grateful to Secretary Rollins for launching the next round of funding here in Michigan, where our farmers produce more than 300 agricultural commodities, and our scientists lead the way in agricultural research. These investments will ensure Michigan farms stay on the cutting edge as they grow crops to feed America and the world.” The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is tasked with implementing SCRI which provides funding for research and extension projects to address the most critical challenges faced by the domestic specialty crop industry. For the first time ever, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for SCRI will set aside at least $20 million to fund research and development into mechanization and automation technologies for the specialty crop industry to help reduce labor costs. Both SCBGP and SCMP are implemented by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and provide funding for innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, education, and research. Funds for SCBGP are distributed to States and territories by the Agricultural Marketing Service based on a formula that considers both specialty crop acreage and production value while SCMP funds are awarded on a competitive basis to States as well as local governments, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, or nonprofit organizations residing in nonparticipating States. Earlier this year, USDA also announced the availability of $1 billion to support the specialty crop industry through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. ### Press release provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:37:00 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/usda-announces-specialty-crop-investment-thanks-to-working-families-tax-cuts https://www.rfdtv.com/wasde-geopolitical-tensions-and-export-demand-shape-mixed-outlook-for-u-s-agriculture RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains shifting global trade dynamics and what they could mean for agriculture and energy markets. Corn leads crop exports demand, while variety boxed meat helps offset weaker beef exports. Prices improved, but competition continues to put downward pressure on demand. NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — A shift in global trade relations is taking shape between the United States and India, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to influence energy markets and global supply chains. With a ceasefire in place, uncertainty remains around key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic disruptions are impacting fertilizer movement and raising concerns across agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joined us on Friday's Market Day Report to break down what these developments mean for farmers. In his interview with RFD NEWS, Haney discusses what renewed engagement between the U.S. and India signals for global agricultural trade, how tariff rollbacks could impact producers as negotiations continue, and how broader geopolitical strategies— including U.S. involvement in the region—may shape ag markets moving forward. USDA’s April WASDE report made very few major changes to U.S. supply, but adjustments to prices and stocks highlight shifting demand across key crops. Corn and soybean outlooks held mostly steady, while wheat supplies and cotton prices moved higher. Corn projections were unchanged, with feed use steady and strong disappearance reported earlier in the marketing year. The average farm price was raised 5 cents to $4.15 per bushel, reflecting stronger price trends. Soybean crush increased by 35 million bushels to 2.61 billion, driven by stronger domestic meal demand. Exports were reduced by the same amount, as South American competition continues to pressure U.S. shipments. Ending stocks held at 350 million bushels, while the average price rose 10 cents to $10.30. Wheat supplies increased due to higher imports, while domestic use declined slightly. Ending stocks rose to 938 million bushels — the largest since 2019/20 — and the average farm price increased to $5.00 per bushel. Cotton saw no balance sheet changes, but the season-average price ticked up to 61 cents per pound. U.S. export sales were led by strong demand for corn last week, while China remained active in the soybean and sorghum markets. USDA data shows solid buyer interest across major crops and livestock, though performance varied by sector. Corn sales reached about 53.6 million bushels, up from the prior week and above the recent average. Japan and Mexico led purchases, with exports near 72 million bushels. Soybean sales totaled about 10.9 million bushels, with China the top buyer. Soybean exports reached roughly 23.4 million bushels, driven largely by China. Wheat sales came in near 6 million bushels, with exports around 13.6 million bushels. Sorghum sales totaled about 4.5 million bushels, with China accounting for nearly all activity, though exports slowed week to week. Beef sales increased to about 17,400 metric tons, with strong demand from South Korea and Japan. Pork sales declined to about 31,300 metric tons, led by Mexico, with smaller volumes to China. Pork exports also slipped from the prior week, though Mexico remained the dominant destination. U.S. pork exports held steady in February, while beef exports declined, and variety meat demand continued to surge. Data from the USDA and the U.S. Meat Export Federation show strong global demand for pork and beef byproducts, even as market access challenges weighed on beef shipments. Pork exports totaled about 535 million pounds, up slightly from a year ago. Export value also edged higher to nearly $679 million. Mexico remained the top market, while shipments increased to Japan, South Korea, Central America, and Taiwan. Through the first two months of the year, pork exports are running ahead of last year in both volume and value. Beef exports totaled about 187 million pounds, down 13 percent from a year ago. Limited access to China continues to weigh on totals. However, exports to Mexico, Taiwan, and parts of Latin America improved. Excluding China, beef export value and volume showed modest gains. Beef variety meat remains a standout. Exports jumped 12 percent in volume and 40 percent in value, adding significant value per head. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:27:00 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/wasde-geopolitical-tensions-and-export-demand-shape-mixed-outlook-for-u-s-agriculture https://www.rfdtv.com/forest-service-research-uses-drones-to-study-fire-breaks Missoula lab combines controlled testing with field data to improve wildfire response MISSOULA, MONTANA (RFD News) — The U.S. Forest Service is using new technology to better understand how fuel breaks perform in real-world conditions. At the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory, research engineer Dan Jimenez has been gaining international recognition for these advancements. “The goal of my work is to really look at the fire environment from an energy perspective,” Jimenez said. Jimenez says the lab allows researchers to test fire behavior in a controlled setting, using tools like a wind tunnel and burn chambers. His team then takes that research into the field, using drones and infrared cameras to track fire behavior on a larger scale. The team has also developed fire behavior packages equipped with data loggers and battery systems to collect information during burns. Jimenez says combining controlled testing with aerial data helps give a more complete picture of how fire breaks perform across different landscapes. Drones can survey up to 100 acres per hour in forest environments, and the Forest Service says that data can be processed into usable information within about six hours. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:42:21 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/forest-service-research-uses-drones-to-study-fire-breaks https://www.rfdtv.com/screwworm-fears-grow-for-texas-rancher-as-u-s-eyes-phased-border-reopening-to-cattle Texas ranchers and lawmakers warn of renewed New World screwworm risks, highlighting prevention efforts, border concerns, and the role of sterile flies in protecting U.S. livestock. MERCEDES, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The threat of New World screwworm is once again raising concerns for U.S. cattle producers, particularly along the southern border. The pest, which caused devastating livestock losses during outbreaks in the 1960s and 1970s, remains a serious risk if reintroduced. Recent discussions about reopening the southern border to Mexican feeder cattle have added to those concerns. Ranchers worry that increased cattle movement from affected regions could heighten the chances of the parasite spreading north. “I think it's a dangerous topic because, honestly, anytime you start moving cattle from down in an area that has those kinds of problems, I think it's just going to not be good,” said Benton England of England Cattle Co. in Mercedes, Texas. "Everybody's going to try to do their best, but at the same time, though, if they end up making it here, it's going to be a devastating deal. I mean, very, very devastating for not only cattle ranchers, but also for the exotic and deer game guys." Lawmakers are pointing to proven methods to prevent an outbreak. One key strategy is the use of sterile flies, which have historically helped control screwworm populations. “They're releasing those into Mexico, which has helped the screw worm stay at bay,” said U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (TX-15). However, officials say more needs to be done domestically to ensure preparedness. On the other side of the aisle, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX- 28) emphasized the urgency of expanding sterile fly production within the United States. “So it's not a matter of money. You know, it's not Congress," Rep. Cuellar explained. "You haven't provided the money. We provided the money last year. And the appropriations, I added more money. [...] They do work, but we need so many millions of new sterile flies to prevent this problem from coming into the U.S.” Producers on the ground remain cautiously optimistic, noting that while the solution is effective, it takes time to scale. “Yeah, absolutely — 100% — I mean, they worked before," England said. "It's not gonna be a fast thing, but as long as we can keep pushing back, then it'll work. I think the longer it goes on, the more it'll be more readily usable, and they'll be able to produce more, which they already are. You know, it's just taking time to get everything going because it doesn't happen overnight. A lot of the facilities they had burned down or weren't in use for a long, long time." Ranchers are also using additional tools and strategies not available in previous decades to help protect their herds. With the very beautiful cattle they have here and are known for at England Cattle Co., Englandis taking a number of steps to make sure they are kept safe and healthy — and, of course, beautiful. “Yes. So we have not only that, but also some other things we have now that we didn't have before," England said. "Whenever, like my grandfather, fought this issue way back there at our disposal, we have it ready on hand,” England added. With the potential threat still looming, producers and policymakers alike say vigilance will be critical to keeping U.S. livestock safe and avoiding another widespread outbreak. Just this week, USDA's APHIS updated their Response Playbook for New World Screwworm, saying it is crucual that their domestic plans are ready for activation. LEARN MORE: APHIS New World Screwworm Response Playbook Frank McCaffrey reporting for RFD NEWS. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:19:28 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/screwworm-fears-grow-for-texas-rancher-as-u-s-eyes-phased-border-reopening-to-cattle https://www.rfdtv.com/farm-bureau-economist-highlights-how-farmers-can-influence-usda-data-and-reporting Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA's request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline. WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking for feedback on whether its data systems are keeping pace with how farmers make decisions in today’s tighter-margin farm economy. Thursday, April 9, is the final day for farmers to submit comments on USDA’s statistical and economic programs. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday's Market Day Report to break down the process. In his interview with RFD NEWS, Munch explains why USDA is seeking input from farmers on the research and datasets it produces, which reports ag industry and markets analysts find most useful, and the concerns farmers have raised. Munch also outlines proposed improvements to USDA data and research publications by the department, including those advocated by the AFBF, and provides guidance on what farmers should know before Thursday's deadline. LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS: www.regulations.gov/document/USDA-2026-0034-0008 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:39:50 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/farm-bureau-economist-highlights-how-farmers-can-influence-usda-data-and-reporting https://www.rfdtv.com/new-usda-product-of-usa-label-helps-consumers-shop-america-first-and-support-u-s-farmers-with-confidence The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to promote its updated “Product of USA” label, aiming to provide greater clarity for consumers looking to identify products that are truly made in America. WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to promote its updated “Product of USA” label, aiming to provide greater clarity for consumers looking to identify products that are truly made in America. USDA Undersecretary Dr. Mindy Brashears joined us on Thursday's Market Day Report with an update on the department’s efforts. In her interview with RFD NEWS, Brashears explains the need for the updated label and addresses confusion surrounding previous labeling standards. She also outlines what went into developing the new guidelines and how they are designed to improve transparency. She highlights the benefits the updated label brings to both consumers and producers, along with the process required to obtain and use the designation. Brashears also discusses additional food safety priorities for the administration and shares insight into her background growing up on a family farm and her experience in agriculture. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:19:58 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/new-usda-product-of-usa-label-helps-consumers-shop-america-first-and-support-u-s-farmers-with-confidence