WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Beyond financial protections, the upcoming Farm Bill fight is shaping into a battle over market access, regulation, and whether long-term policy certainty returns to agriculture.
The proposal expands export promotion funding, shifts Food for Peace authority to the USDA, and increases support for overseas market development programs. Lawmakers also target foreign trade barriers and infrastructure constraints that affect U.S. agricultural competitiveness.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
Tony St. James
Regulatory provisions narrow water jurisdiction rules, clarify livestock production standards across state lines, and reduce pesticide approval uncertainty — all issues producers have argued add operational risk. Rural development sections fund broadband, health facilities, childcare, and processing capacity to stabilize rural economies that support agriculture.
However, passage is far from certain. Nutrition spending disputes, SNAP reforms, and broader budget negotiations remain major obstacles as the House Agriculture Committee begins markup.
Failure to pass a full bill would likely mean another short-term extension — continuing uncertainty around support programs and regulatory direction. Markup by the House Agriculture Committee begins on Monday.
The long-term viability of a ranching operation often hinges on how effectively its owners navigate the overlapping layers of IRS regulations, state tax incentives, and USDA disaster programs.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that imposing duties without Congressional authorization exceeds presidential powers. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the potential trade and agriculture implications of the recent ruling.
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The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
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Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
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Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs joined us with an update on how the SBA is working to support rural communities and small businesses across the country.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
February 19, 2026 11:18 AM
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Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
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RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
February 18, 2026 01:38 PM
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