Senate Judiciary Committee Examines Competition Issues in Seed, Fertilizer

Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is currently hosting a Tuesday hearing to examine input costs as part of a full committee hearing on competition issues in the seed and fertilizer industries.

“Now, nobody here wants to punish innovation,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). “We want better yields, healthier soils, quality products, and we’ve been vastly improving in that area for the last 40 years. But we also want competition that’s fair, transparent, and local competition that a farmer can actually express when he or she sits down to make a purchase.”

This is a developing story. We will continue to keep you updated on the hearing on the Market Day Report and Rural Evening News.

Related Stories
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
Iowa land values dropped 3% year-over-year. Sen. Chuck Grassley said this discomforting pattern is a harbinger of crisis for farmers, as seen in the 1980s.
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law dives into a “potpourri” of ag tax and law-related issues in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
According to the new report, seven out of ten rural bankers support President Trump’s recent trade steps with China, expressing cautious optimism about future export potential.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses ways families can approach changes in aging loved ones over the holiday season and manage care with compassion and empathy.