The President’s Commerce Secretary was in the hot seat this week, talking American manufacturing with a Senate subcommittee.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran questioned Lutnick over a program that helps smaller U.S. manufacturers. The department is not requesting money for that program next year. Lutnick says it is not forgotten, but rather being reworked.
“Programs that were set up by the Department of Commerce decades ago, to assist in technology for manufacturing, tend to be outdated. The new technology is AI-driven, automated, and I think we need to reexamine and retool a whole variety of these programs so that we are able to provide the best technological assistance rather than just continuing our program that’s decades and decades old.”
The Hollins Manufacturing Extension Partnership was started back in 1988. It is a public-private partnership that was designed as a cost-share program. Leaders say the program helped manufacturers get $15 billion in sales last year.
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
February 26, 2026 02:57 PM
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Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
February 26, 2026 02:25 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
February 26, 2026 01:04 PM
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East Tennessee Children’s Hospital officially becomes Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, marking a new era of compassionate, world-class pediatric care in Tennessee.
February 26, 2026 12:26 PM
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Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
February 26, 2026 10:53 AM
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Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.
February 25, 2026 12:37 PM
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