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
Seth Tucker of Tucker Farms, a first-generation Arkansas farmer, says rising input costs are forcing changes to his operation, including stepping away from rice this season.
Local groups distribute potatoes to support hundreds of families across the Idaho Panhandle to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month.
Healthcare leaders and advocates work to connect Georgia farmers with support resources to deal with increasing farm stress.
UNL’s Dr. Dirac Twidwell discusses wildfire recovery efforts in Nebraska and what producers should keep in mind in the days and weeks ahead.
Tight global supply is likely to keep fuel and fertilizer costs elevated.
Dr. Michael Langemeier with Purdue University provided perspective on the improving farmer sentiment and the trends shaping the agricultural economy moving forward.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
Elena Chavez with Halter provided insight into the company’s virtual fencing technology, its adoption in the U.S., and the impact of recent funding on ranching operations.
Brooks York with AgriSompo addresses how current market conditions and risk management are impacted by volatility in the Middle East, and considerations for farmers in the spring planting season.
The Biden Administration launched the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (ILCMA) program in 2023 to help underserved farmers facing barriers to land ownership.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided guidance on navigating the R&D tax credit, emphasizing record-keeping, eligibility, and maximizing potential savings as crop margins remain the key pressure point for farmers.
Justin Tupper with the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association joins us to discuss the USDA’s voluntary labeling updates, industry priorities, and the outlook for U.S. cattle producers.