Senator Chuck Grassley has been a staunch critic of wasteful spending by today’s government, including in agriculture.
He has repeatedly accused the Biden administration of abusing Commodity Credit Corporation Funds. He took to the Senate floor to express his disappointment in one of the USDA;s final acts under the administration, to increase payment limits for specialty crop farmers from $15,000 to $900,000 under the Marketing Assistance for Speciality Crops Program.
“This increase cost American taxpayers over $650 million, without a vote of a Congress. Had this been the desire of Congress, it would have been included in the Continuing Resolution passed just weeks before,” the Senator notes. “Article 1 of the Consitution is very clear. Congress has the power of the purse; it’s time we stop the abuse of that power by the executive branch, whether that’s Republican or Democrat.”
Senator Grassley says that he plans to advocate for limits on the amount of money that one farmer can get from government farm programs, preventing the subsidization of big farms from becoming even bigger, and focusing that spending on small to medium-sized farms.
He looks forward to pursuing the cap in the new five-year Farm Bill to come.
According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
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Glyphosate and phosphorus are deemed critical to U.S. national defense, ensuring farmers’ access while signaling a shift toward regenerative agriculture. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight on the Trump Administration’s move and what it could mean for U.S. farmers moving forward.
February 24, 2026 01:30 PM
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UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
February 24, 2026 01:16 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
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Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
February 24, 2026 09:00 AM
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