TOPEKA, Kan. (RFD NEWS) — We continue our countdown of the Top 10 Agricultural Law Developments from 2025, highlighting key legal issues that could impact farmers and ranchers in the year ahead. From property rights to input regulations, several developments rose to the top of the list.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to break down his #3 and #2 top legal issues heading into the new year.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, McEowen explained issue #3 — the growing concept of “lawfare” in American agriculture — and how legal strategies increasingly used to influence policy and land use became a central theme in 2025. He also discussed what that trend could mean for farmers, ranchers, and land management agencies moving forward.
Coming in at #2 on McEowen’s list is a familiar issue for the ag community—the ongoing saga surrounding the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling. He reviewed the major developments from 2025 and shared his expectations for how the final rule could take shape.
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
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Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
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Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
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Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
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