NFU Pushes Lawmakers to Deliver Relief to Family Farms

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — The Farmers Business Network (FBN) annual Crop Protection Market Report reveals that uncertainty across the agricultural economy is expected to continue well into next year, with tariffs creating new challenges for farmers purchasing fertilizer and other key inputs.

Leaders with the organization note that the landscape heading into 2026 will look much different from what it did at the start of this year.

At the same time, the National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling for immediate economic relief for producers. The group has sent letters to both the White House and Congress, urging swift action to offset the negative impacts of recent trade policies on farmers and ranchers.

NFU President Rob Larew joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the urgency of providing assistance as many producers face mounting input costs and market uncertainty.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Larew outlined the organization’s three key principles to ensure any aid package offers meaningful, long-term relief and supports the resilience of family farms. He also addressed the ongoing decline in the number of U.S. farms, noting that while direct relief is needed, a more sustainable, long-term solution for agricultural trade and market access remains essential.

According to Larew, the organization is awaiting a response from federal leaders and hopes meaningful relief will follow once the government shutdown is resolved.

Related Stories
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
Benchmark machinery costs against those of similar-sized, high-performing operations to inform equipment and investment decisions.
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.