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
U.S. beef imports are running at a record pace while exports are falling, reflecting tight domestic cattle supplies and high U.S. beef prices.
Cattle analysts say the U.S. beef cattle herd rebuild still faces major hurdles despite some minor positive signals noted in certain regions.
Andy Tauer from the National Pork Board discusses efforts to boost pork demand and how the industry is responding to trade restrictions related to pseudorabies.
President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are expected to discuss commodities, trade and regional stability during meetings in Asia.
American beef and pork products are gaining visibility in Colombian butcher shops through training and merchandising programs.
Strong export demand is supportive, but higher freight costs may pressure basis and grain movement margins.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
The first-ever “MICHELIN Guide to the American South” awards stars to top restaurants across Georgia, Louisiana, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, and pinpoints the region as a global food destination for the first time.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.