President Trump’s pick for USDA Deputy Secretary is facing a full Senate vote. Stephen Vaden would fill the role formerly held by Xochitl Torres Small,
Speaking before a Senate panel, Vaden said he grew up on a family farm and acknowledged the recent tariff action, but he said there is a bigger problem brewing.
“If we’re going to be throwing punches on behalf of America’s economy, there are some punches that need to be thrown on behalf of American farmers, too. Because, while tariffs are the headline, what blocks so many American agricultural products from other countries are phony phytosanitary concerns, supposedly raising health or other welfare concerns about American products.”
Vaden argues U.S. ag exports face more hurdles than others, reminding the President’s trade team to always be on the offense and be aggressive with opening new markets. When it comes to tariffs, just yesterday, President Trump announced India would be dropping their rate to zero on several U.S. products, like steel and auto parts.
Michigan corn farmer and NCGA Vice President-Elect Matt Frostic will lead the task force. He joined us on Thursday to share his insights on the escalating corn crisis.
September 25, 2025 01:46 PM
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Speaking about his administration’s tariff strategy, Trump acknowledged that producers could face financial strain in the short term but promised stopgap support.
September 25, 2025 01:07 PM
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U.S. soybean farmers are growing increasingly frustrated by Argentina’s gains in Chinese grain contracts and Trump’s pledge of economic support for the South American ally.
September 25, 2025 11:51 AM
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The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
September 25, 2025 10:46 AM
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The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
September 23, 2025 10:44 AM
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Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
September 22, 2025 12:39 PM
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