What the Tariff Ruling Means for Farmers

What the Tariff Ruling Means for Farmers

Author: The One Country Project February 25, 2026 Duration: 38:56

In this episode, Heidi Heitkamp hosts a lively discussion with Rachel Prevost, Executive Director of the Montana Farmers Union, and Matt Perdue, President of the North Dakota Farmers Union. They explore critical topics impacting American agriculture today, including trade policies, farm bill dynamics, land consolidation, and the resilience of rural communities. Their insights highlight both challenges and opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.


Key topics covered:

  • The Supreme Court's decision to roll back tariffs and its impact on farmers
  • Uncertainty surrounding trade relationships, especially with China and Mexico
  • The importance of reforms in the farm bill to support family farms and local food systems
  • The growing consolidation of farmland and its implications for future farm succession
  • The need to reconnect consumers with the origin of their food through mandatory country-of-origin labeling (M-COOL)
  • Rural healthcare, infrastructure, and quality of life as vital components of sustainable agriculture
  • The significance of value-added production and new markets for U.S. agricultural products
  • Challenges faced by young and beginning farmers, including economic opportunities and community support
  • The importance of domestic demand growth and renewable fuels in shaping a resilient farm economy
  • The role of advocacy and policy in securing a future where rural communities thrive

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The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

  • (00:00) - Introduction to Agricultural Challenges
  • (03:07) - Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
  • (06:07) - Impact of Tariffs on Farmers
  • (09:04) - Farm Bill Discussions and Concerns
  • (12:03) - Consolidation in Agriculture
  • (14:57) - Healthcare Access for Farmers
  • (17:34) - Trade Agreements and Country of Origin Labeling
  • (20:31) - Future of Young Farmers
  • (23:40) - Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. Senator, and her brother Joel, a longtime Midwest radio host, bring a unique perspective to the table in their podcast The Hot Dish. Their dynamic is the engine here-a blend of deep policy knowledge from the halls of Congress and grounded, everyday insight from community radio, all filtered through the familiar and often humorous lens of sibling debate. They sit down with a range of guests, from national newsmakers and elected officials to local policymakers, focusing squarely on the ideas and actions that impact rural communities across America. These aren't dry lectures; they're animated discussions that dig into practical solutions for real challenges, from economic opportunities to infrastructure. Produced by The One Country Project, the conversation on this podcast is as informative as it is engaging, often punctuated by the kind of lively back-and-forth that only a brother and sister can provide. You'll come for the insightful analysis on politics and news, but you'll stay for the authentic and enlightening dialogue that makes complex issues relatable. Each episode serves up a hearty mix of substance and personality, offering listeners a fresh take on the stories that shape the heart of the country.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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