News

USDA investigation into ag inputs continues

The USDA continues to work closely with the Department of Justice to investigate fertilizer prices, seed markets, equipment and machinery.

NFU President Rob Larew tells Brownfield “we’ve got the words and appreciate the words. Now we need to see some action.”

The goal of the USDA is to protect farmers and ranchers from high, volatile and potentially anticompetitive costs.

USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins tells Brownfield the investigation is underway, but no additional details were provided. Talking with NFU members, Hoskins said there’s no immediate answers to fix rising fertilizer prices.

“We will continue to explore our authorities, our programs (at the USDA).”

John Hansen with the Nebraska Farmers Union says farmers deserve some relief from an unprecedented situation.

“We keep saying we’re unprecedented and we’re wearing that word out, but it’s the right description for what’s happening,” he says. “You can’t do 2026 input costs and sell commodites for 1973 prices.”

Hoskins was a guest speaker at the start of the delegate session of the NFU Convention in New Orleans on Monday.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with John Hansen, Nebraska.

Hear the media gaggle with USDA Under Secretary Hoskins.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Rob Larew, National Farmers Union.