A West Virginia Senator has a strong message to consumers: “Stop taking farmers for granted.” Senator Jim Justice says a farm crisis has been brewing for some time now and warns it is coming to a head.
“Absolutely, we’re taking advantage of our small family farms, beyond belief. If you want a mile-long food in the grocery stores and pay 14 percent or whatever it is of your annual income towards food, quit taking advantage of these people, and quit taking ‘em for granted.”
Senator Justice says something has to be done to get younger farmers back to the farm. One researcher tells lawmakers that it is the largest issue right now.
“In 2025, more people will turn 65 than in any year in history. For every potential leader aged 35 to 50, two are preparing to retire. In agriculture, where many senior leaders have been in place for decades, this creates an acute succession challenge. And the next generation of leaders, especially those with agricultural backgrounds, is smaller than ever,” said Aaron Locker.
Locker and Senator Justice are both calling for a five-year Farm Bill. They also say more money is needed for ag research and career promotion.
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
February 06, 2026 12:07 PM
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HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
February 06, 2026 11:48 AM
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The House Agriculture Committee is set to debate a new, “skinny” Farm Bill at the end of February, according to a release from Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson.
February 05, 2026 12:35 PM
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Regulatory uncertainty could slow the growth of fiber and grain hemp unless implementation is delayed.
February 04, 2026 05:00 PM
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As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
February 04, 2026 01:41 PM
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Mexico has fallen behind by several hundred thousand acre-feet in required water deliveries to the United States, a shortfall that has had devastating consequences across the Rio Grande Valley.
February 04, 2026 12:23 PM
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