While most producers have their attention focus on the Farm Bill, there are many pressing issues in Washington right now, including the nation’s debt. It was a topic during a House field hearing, where lawmakers laid out some startling statistics.
“We have some real difficult decisions we have to work through over the next year. The fact of the matter is today, 100% of defense of the United States has borrowed money. 100% of government, as you know it, is borrowed money, all Park Service, everything’s all borrowed. I was just doing the math, 37% of medicare is on borrowed money. This year, our income taxes, 45% of it, will just pay the interest. Interest is now the second biggest spend in the United states. We need you to grow like crazy, and then we need to find a number of things where we’re going to stop spending, or do it better, faster, cheaper, adopt technology,” said Rep. David Schweikert.
Farm debt is expected to hit half a trillion dollars this year. Producers up to 44 years old have the highest debt to asset ratio.
Roger McEowen discusses how long-term healthcare costs for elderly Americans are reshaping estate-planning decisions for farm families and what producers should consider moving forward.
April 06, 2026 02:23 PM
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Farmer Jeffry Mitchell with the Mississippi Farm Bureau joins us for a spring planting update from the southeast region as drought, input costs, and fertilizer access complicate crop progress.
April 06, 2026 02:04 PM
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Cattle producers face mounting pressure as U.S.-Mexico trade talks resume, but expanding drought, rising input costs, and policy work to improve the long-term industry outlook.
April 06, 2026 01:27 PM
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The White House’s plan calls for a nearly 20 percent reduction in the USDA’s budget, which would impact various food and agriculture aid programs.
April 06, 2026 12:08 PM
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More Farms File for Bankruptcy As Strong Farm Loan Demand Boosts Bank Earnings
April 06, 2026 12:02 PM
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JBS representatives told Reuters that the original deal has not changed and that they welcome employees back to the facility.
April 06, 2026 11:08 AM
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