Farmers and ranchers have been sounding the alarm over ag labor for years. Now, one farm group says it is optimistic that the new administration will tackle the problem.
“Whether it’s tax, farm bill, you name it, you know, sometimes you have some outliers. In the case of labor, 100 percent of American agriculture here is behind us to try and get this problem fixed. You know, we have a new Congress, a new President coming in, and I think there’s going to be a case to make a strong, if you want to be for the farmer, want to be for the rancher, this is what you’ve got to do, and that’s the source of my optimism,” said Chuck Conner.
President-Elect Trump made illegal immigration a centerpiece in his campaign. However, some worry his plan to deal with it could come at a cost to the ag industry. Earlier this week, he said he will consider using military force to carry out mass deportations. USDA numbers show more than a third of all hired farm help in the United States is made up by illegal immigrants.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
January 23, 2026 01:12 PM
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Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
January 22, 2026 06:25 PM
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Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
January 22, 2026 12:56 PM
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From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
January 22, 2026 12:40 PM
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Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
January 22, 2026 11:24 AM
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Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
January 22, 2026 10:39 AM
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