WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Agriculture is front and center on Capitol Hill as 2026 gets underway, with a number of policy debates fueling discussion across the industry. From whole milk returning to school lunch programs to renewed momentum for year-round E15 sales, lawmakers are juggling several high-profile ag issues.
Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to share his outlook on the legislative landscape and priorities for the year ahead.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, Johnson addressed this week’s WASDE numbers, noting that a larger-than-expected corn surplus could strengthen the case for allowing year-round sales of E15. Johnson, a longtime advocate for expanded E15 access, discussed whether 2026 could finally be the year the policy moves forward.
Johnson also weighed in on the ongoing Farm Bill debate, noting that progress could be delayed again as Congress turns its attention to a stopgap spending bill set to expire in two weeks. He shared his outlook on how those negotiations could impact Farm Bill timing.
The conversation also touched on trade, including the upcoming formal review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) this summer. Johnson responded to President Trump’s recent comments, calling the agreement “irrelevant,” and discussing whether the remarks could complicate the review process.
Johnson also discussed the signing of the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids” Act, which restores whole milk to schools. He explained the significance of the law and its implications for dairy producers.
Before wrapping up, Johnson reflected on the life and legacy of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away suddenly last week. Johnson shared his perspective on working alongside LaMalfa and how he believes the late congressman’s advocacy for agriculture will be remembered.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
January 14, 2026 01:49 PM
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NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
January 14, 2026 01:34 PM
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Matt Brockman, communications director for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, joined us to share a preview of the upcoming event.
January 14, 2026 12:53 PM
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RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
January 14, 2026 12:17 PM
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
January 14, 2026 11:54 AM
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
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A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
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Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.
January 13, 2026 03:36 PM
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
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