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.
READ MORE: FIRM TO FARM
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
January 13, 2026 01:31 PM
·
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
January 13, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Logistics capacity remains available, but winter volatility favors flexible delivery and marketing plans. NGFA President Mike Seyfert provides insight into grain transportation trends, trade policy, and priorities for the year ahead.
January 12, 2026 02:52 PM
·
Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
January 12, 2026 02:38 PM
·
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
January 12, 2026 11:40 AM
·
