WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Wednesday morning, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Farm Security Action Plan (PDF Version).
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
Rollins spoke on the partnership between the USDA and the Department of War during the signing:
“Our very first action to implement the MOU will be through a new partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the USDA’s chief scientist,” Rollins said. “This will allow, first, the sharing of information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture. Second, collaboration to develop novel technological solutions to American agriculture’s biggest challenges, and third, the exchange of personnel to ensure both departments are well-equipped to protect American agriculture.”
Rollins also announced that the USDA is creating a new division, the Office of Research, Economic and Science Security, to coordinate research security throughout USDA. Rollins says today’s memorandum would ensure America’s farms, food supply, and research institutes remain secure and resilient.
Watch the joint press conference on YouTube:
We will continue to follow what this agreement means for farmers and ranchers. Stay with RFD NEWS for additional coverage throughout the day on the Market Day Report and tonight on the Rural Evening News.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
In a landmark ruling delivered in late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
January 19, 2026 11:25 AM
·
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
·
