04/25/2026
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was in Higginsville, Missouri on Friday at GR Farms, where she visited the Riekof family, as well as met with other farmers, ranchers, and ag leaders for a roundtable and press conference.
We were there, and here’s what she announced ⬇️
• USDA will issue a second round of disaster relief payments through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP)
• Payment rates are increasing from 35% to 70% — with farmers receiving the additional payments starting next week
• USDA has already delivered $6.7B nationwide, including $186M in Missouri
• Signup deadline extended to August 12
While she didn't make an official announcement on fertilizer like some expected, she addressed rising input costs, especially fertilizer, calling it a major concern for farmers right now.
🔜 Looking ahead: Rollins says new fertilizer relief actions are coming next week, including:
• A government-wide effort to lower costs and stabilize supply
• Plans to boost U.S. fertilizer production and reduce reliance on foreign sources
• Potential federal investment in new domestic fertilizer plants
• Expanded import options and continued transport flexibility
• Increased scrutiny on pricing and competition in the fertilizer industry
Rollins emphasized both immediate relief and a long-term strategy to strengthen American agriculture and supply chains.
We asked her team whether that could include President Trump using emergency authority to adjust Countervailing Duties (CVD) on Moroccan phosphate.
Their response: stay tuned — that could be part of next week’s announcement.
