Overview
- USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said Wednesday that a federal announcement on fuel relief for farmers is coming very soon.
- Record-high diesel costs are squeezing farm finances with some operators paying about double last year’s prices during peak harvest work.
- Rollins urged states to widen access to red-dyed diesel, the tax-exempt off-road fuel used on farms, and pointed to Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Louisiana as examples of states that have eased rules.
- The administration is pursuing short-term moves to lower retail beef costs, including increased imports, while also pledging programs to rebuild the cattle herd, expand grazing and invest in small and mid-sized meat processors.
- Producers warn import and price actions could hurt rancher incomes and sourcing, and the Justice Department continues to review meatpacker and retailer conduct in the supply chain.