TOPEKA, Kan. (RFD-TV) — The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes significant improvements to federal crop insurance provisions for beginning farmers and ranchers. However, legal experts say that underlying regulatory rules could create complications—particularly when it comes to estate planning for family-owned businesses.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, McEowen outlined the OBBBA’s expanded definition of a “beginning farmer or rancher” (BFR) and walked through key provisions aimed at improving access to federal crop insurance.
He also highlighted the role of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency in maintaining the integrity of the crop insurance program, noting how its stance on eligibility requirements may affect families transitioning their farm or ranch to the next generation.
McEowen stressed the importance of understanding these new rules early on, emphasizing that the regulatory hurdles could influence long-term estate planning strategies. He closed by sharing practical advice for farmers and ranchers to prepare for the changes and take full advantage of the benefits available under the updated program.
To read more of Roger’s in-depth analysis on the OBBBA’s impacts on crop insurance and estate planning, click the link below:
Firm to Farm: Crop Insurance and BFR and RMA
Pork producers warn that proposed definitions of “ultra-processed” food in guidelines from the “Make America Healthy Again” plan could negatively impact industry-standard bacon, sausage, and feed practices.
December 22, 2025 01:38 PM
·
Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.
December 22, 2025 01:31 PM
·
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
·
In Minnesota, a legal and legislative battle has reached a tipping point. For over a decade, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the private deer-farming industry have been locked in a dispute over the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
December 22, 2025 12:30 PM
·
December 19, 2025 07:30 PM
·
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens shares his outlook on farmland market trends, which remain under close watch as new federal assistance programs roll out — with experts analyzing potential impacts on land values, buying, and stability.
December 19, 2025 02:15 PM
·
Michelle Perez shares more about the American Farmland Trust’s resource to help farmers and producers plan soil health improvements.
December 19, 2025 02:03 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
December 19, 2025 01:56 PM
·
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
December 19, 2025 01:43 PM
·
