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
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

While the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, the National Pork Producers Council wants lawmakers to do more to support the sector.
Kip Eideberg with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers details its campaign spotlighting the people who build equipment vital to farming and food manufacturing.
Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.