USDA is expediting $10 billion to farmers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program.
The sign-up period is currently open with the application deadline set for August 15th.
Deputy Undersecretary Brooke Appleton joined RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander to discuss the highlights with some of the payment rates for the main eligible commodities like corn, soybeans, and wheat, some of the eligibility requirements producers need to keep in mind, and her priorities for the department moving forward.
Related Stories
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.