In a series of announcements, President Donald Trump has named Gary Washington as the acting Secretary of Agriculture.
Washington was selected as the USDA Chief Information Officer in February 2018. His appointment comes as Brooke Rollins awaits Senate confirmation for the role, with her hearing scheduled for Thursday in the Senate Agriculture Committee.
In addition, the President has announced James Payne will temporarily lead the EPA, and Juan Millan will serve as the acting Ambassador of Trade in the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
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The Fertilizer Research Act, reintroduced by Sens. Grassley, Ernst, and Baldwin, would direct the USDA to study and publish public reports on competition and pricing trends in the fertilizer market.
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
Lawmakers have until September 30 to shore up federal spending for next year, or risk a government shutdown. The Farm Bill is also set to expire the same day.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a closer look at how Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill changes to base acres and potential impacts on future ARC and PLC payments.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.