Democratic senators are urging ag lawmakers to halt efforts to include a measure that would effectively overturn Prop 12 in the next Farm Bill. In a letter, 32 senators, led by California Sen. Adam Schiff, claim Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst’s legislation will open the floodgates to unnecessary litigation — also noting that similar attempts have failed in previous Farm Bills.
The Food Security and Farm Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), would prevent local and state governments from interfering with the production and distribution of agricultural products across state lines. This would effectively overturn state laws like Prop-12, which places strict housing requirements on livestock.
Lawmakers from the opposing perspective, such as Ernst’s counterpart, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), have made their stance clear, stating that they see an end to Prop-12.
“I’m optimistic we’re going to try to get it in the Farm Bill, and I think we should get it in the Farm Bill, and we can’t have now, not only California, but you’ve got movement, Massachusetts, do something similar,” Sen. Grassley said on a weekly call with media. “Theoretically, you could end up with 50 different laws. And Congress has the right under the Constitution to control interstate and foreign commerce. So, it’s a federal issue.”
Grassley said he is surprised the Supreme Court has not yet intervened, alluding to the Court’s opinion that it was acceptable for California to act, since Congress hasn’t. Grassley says Prop-12 is a real problem for small pork producers in his state.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
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Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
January 27, 2026 02:53 PM
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Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
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RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
January 27, 2026 11:51 AM
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New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
January 27, 2026 11:17 AM
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
January 26, 2026 04:30 PM
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Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
January 26, 2026 01:33 PM
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
January 23, 2026 05:05 PM
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
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