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.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
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Expanded global trade access boosts long-term export demand potential for U.S. ag products.
February 23, 2026 03:03 PM
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Agriculture avoided major disruptions, but trade uncertainty remains elevated.
February 23, 2026 10:09 AM
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The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
February 22, 2026 03:00 PM
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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.
February 20, 2026 10:09 AM
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
February 12, 2026 05:02 PM
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