The Dirt

Agriculture news is not just headlines. It is personal.

Prices fluctuate, policies shift and big announcements rarely include instructions; sometimes, the people making decisions seem miles away from those living with them.

Here at Farmers Hot Line, we believe you deserve real information, delivered the way rural America actually talks.

• Clear facts

• Zero fluff

• Honest tone

• Enough humor and sarcasm to survive it Because sometimes we are over it, too. And if we can laugh while we learn, we will take that win.

Welcome to THE DIRT, where we cover what matters to agriculture with truth, wit and a little side eye when needed.

One important note: The Dirt is a monthly snapshot, not a live news feed. Agriculture doesn’ t sit still, and neither do we. For breaking updates, deeper dives and real-time discussion as stories evolve, you’ ll find us all month long on the Farmers Hot Line Facebook page and website.

U. S. Supreme Court vs. Tariffs

The U. S. Supreme Court ruled six to three on February 20, 2026, that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act( IEEPA), saying the 1977 emergency law does not authorize tariffs. The Constitution grants tariff authority to Congress.

What this means for farmers:

• Tariffs imposed under IEEPA are invalid under the ruling

• It is unclear how quickly collections will stop or whether previously paid tariffs will be refunded

• The administration said it is considering other legal authorities to continue pursuing tariffs

Tariffs have been central to recent trade disputes that affected export markets, commodity prices and input costs. The decision could ease some tariff pressure, but uncertainty remains as the administration explores alternative trade actions.

The ruling does not prevent tariffs imposed under other laws, meaning trade policy— and its effect on farm input costs and export demand— could continue to shift in the months ahead.

National Farm Security Action Plan

The U. S. Department of Agriculture( USDA) and the U. S.

Department of War( DoW) have signed an agreement under the National Farm Security Action Plan, expanding coordination on agriculture as a national security issue.

What farmers should know:

• Agencies will coordinate on cyber, biosecurity and supply chain threats

• DARPA and USDA will partner on ag security research

• USDA is increasing oversight of foreign investment in ag land under AFIDA

• Certain fertilizer inputs are being reviewed as critical minerals

The move signals expanded federal focus on agricultural security and research oversight.

Farmer and Rancher Freedom Network

USDA has launched the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework, announced February 11, aimed at reducing what the department calls“ agricultural lawfare” and strengthening private property protections.

• USDA says it will work to reduce regulatory burdens and reform certain environmental rules

• The framework prioritizes protecting farmland from eminent domain actions

• Federal agencies will coordinate on enforcement concerns

• Producers can report issues through USDA’ s website USDA cited recent land disputes and grazing permit actions as examples of the policy direction.

Honorable Mentions

( What we didn’ t have room for on the porch railing)

• USDA Issues Final ELRP Payments for 2023 – 2024 Livestock Losses

• USDA plans up to $ 263 million in dairy and crop purchases under Section 32 to support farmers and supply food banks nationwide.

• Open Enrollment for $ 11B Farmer Bridge Payments

• Open Request for Information( RFI) on Opportunities, Challenges and Emerging Areas in Statistical Data, Analysis and Research at USDA.

THE DIRT BOTTOM LINE

Agriculture is not boring. It is dramatic, complicated and sometimes feels as if it is written by a screenwriter who has never stepped on a farm. So each month, we sift the policy mud, market mess and industry chaos, delivering news you can use with humor you can handle.

March 2026 | www. FarmersHotLine. com | 29