Articles by Philip Brasher

A federal judge in Texas has blocked the federal government from requiring small businesses, including farms, to start filing reports disclosing their ownership. The disclosure requirement, which the judge described as “quasi-Orwellian,” is intended to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

Democrats on the House Ag Committee are starting to line up behind the candidates seeking to be the panel’s ranking member. Reps. Angie Craig, D-Minn., and Jim Costa, D-Calif., are challenging Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., for the minority’s top spot.

Year after year of drought and intense heat that have cooked crops in Texas also have fueled a clash between USDA and the crop insurance industry that has spilled over into discussions of a new farm bill.

Farmer sentiment improved in November, with some producers feeling better about their finances in 2025 and more optimistic that they’ll get relief from regulations, according to the latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer.

USDA’s latest forecast for farm earnings estimates that net farm income will be down 6.3% this year to $140.7 billion, when adjusted for inflation. USDA estimates net cash farm income will be 3.5% lower this year at $158.8 billion.

USDA releases its latest forecast for farm income today, even as lawmakers discuss a possible package of assistance for producers.

Lawmakers return this week for the remainder of their lame duck session, facing a to-do list that includes passing a farm bill extension and averting a government shutdown. Also, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy head to Capitol Hill, and a Senate committee puts a focus on FDA and its role in combatting obesity.. 

President-elect Donald Trump is setting up a cabinet of unusually diverse views and backgrounds that together could have a far-reaching impact on the food and agriculture sectors. Farm groups will be counting on his pick to lead USDA, Brooke Rollins, to be an advocate for ag within an administration. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum could be a key ally on energy policy.

Some 81% of Farm Service Agency employees are in their offices full-time, and the limited availability of telework has contributed to some extent to recruitment and retention challenges, according to a Government Accountability Office report.

Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, an organization closely allied with President-elect Donald Trump, has been selected to serve as agriculture secretary.