Rollins to Highlight Farm Economy and Trade in Kansas City Visit

The USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV)— With a massive $50 billion agricultural trade deficit weighing on U.S. producers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a three-point plan to expand export opportunities. The initiative follows new reciprocal trade agreements negotiated by President Donald Trump, aiming to open markets, enforce commitments, and support rural prosperity.

The plan includes $285 million in early funding for the America First Trade Promotion Program, targeted T.R.U.M.P. Missions to connect U.S. sellers with buyers in new markets, and a revitalization of the GSM-102 export credit guarantee program. USDA officials say these steps will reduce risk, improve financing, and make U.S. commodities more competitive abroad.

The strategy, announced by Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, aims to revive momentum for American agriculture in global commerce and bolster the farm economy.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.

———

Rollins to Highlight Farm Economy and Trade in Kansas City Visit

Secretary Rollins will travel to Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, September 25, to participate in the 11th Annual Agriculture Outlook Forum and visit a local family farm alongside state and federal leaders.

Secretary Rollins is scheduled to deliver keynote remarks at the Agriculture Outlook Forum, focusing on the state of the farm economy, new trade opportunities, and President Trump’s continued support for American agriculture.

Following the forum, Rollins will join Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, and USDA Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce for a visit to a family farm in north Kansas City.

Related Stories
$11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Higher ocean freight raises export costs just as global grain competition intensifies.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

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.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.