Episode 281: E15, Farm Aid and Immigration

Though employees and services from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have not been disrupted by the recently ended partial government shutdown, plenty of uncertainty remains when it comes to ag policy in the new year. As challenging market conditions continue, farmers and their advocates are increasingly looking to Washington for help opening markets, increasing demand, and bridging the gap until relief arrives. As farm groups across the country set their agendas and head to the Capitol to make their arguments, DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton has been following along, and he joins us this week to share what he’s learned. We’ll talk about the latest news coming out of the USDA, including updates on possible new trade deals and on the Department’s plans to purchase a significant mass of U.S. commodities as part of the newly re-established Food for Peace program. Then, we’ll talk about the ongoing E15 situation, and how recent wins might come with challenges for the Renewable Fuel Standard overall. We’ll also talk about the prospects for a 2026 Farm Bill package, or at least additional farm aid allocations, and about the farmers and farm groups who are speaking out on labor issues in light of the administration’s immigration crackdowns. Finally, we’ll hear what stories Chris will be watching most carefully over the coming months, from the 45z tax credits to trade news to MAHA announcements.