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
Treat storage as risk management and logistics, and budget to break even since export growth is unlikely to absorb bigger U.S. corn and soybean crops.
“Good flies? Is that like a good fire ant?” Miller said. “I don’t know what a good fly is. I don’t know if they’re afraid to kill house flies or stable flies, but I’m ready to kill the screwworm fly.”
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.
Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.
ock NH3 early, track China’s Oct. 15 call and any U.S. Russia-UAN action, stay nimble on urea, and budget cautiously for high-priced phosphate.
Expect business-as-usual for most container exports.
CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.
FarmHER Nikki Boxler, aka The Maple Farmer, blends tradition with innovation, tapping into a bold new future for maple syrup.