MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall voiced strong support for the USDA's recent reorganization, major tax reforms, new trade agreements, and enhanced protections for American agriculture in a sweeping interview highlighting recent policy wins under the Trump administration.
At the top of the list is Secretary of Agriculture Jennifer Rollins’ decision to decentralize the USDA, moving personnel out of Washington, D.C., and into five regional centers, including Kansas City.
“I’m super excited about it,” Marshall said. “When government officials are closer to the people they serve, they do a better job.”
Citing low in-office attendance — just 6% of USDA employees were physically in their D.C. offices until January — Marshall praised the move for improving efficiency and aligning the USDA's Ag Economics and research loan divisions with nearby agricultural institutions like Kansas State University, Iowa State University, University of Nebraska, and University of Missouri.
Tax Reform a Win for Middle Class and Farmers
Marshall also celebrated permanent tax cuts secured through the recent reconciliation package, calling them a significant win for working families and small businesses.
“This bill could mean $1,000 more in the pockets of Kansas families every month,” he said, highlighting the elimination of taxes on tips and Social Security income, expanded deductions for farm equipment, and the doubling of death tax exemptions.
Marshall emphasized that the provisions particularly benefit Kansas farmers and co-ops. “Everything the farmer asked for, we were able to deliver,” he said.
Trade Expansions Boost Kansas Exports
Marshall touted multiple trade breakthroughs secured by the Trump administration, including long-awaited access for American beef to the Australian market and the removal of non-tariff barriers in the European Union.
“For the first time in my life, we’ll be selling cheeseburgers and ethanol in Europe,” Marshall said. “These deals are opening the door for Kansas commodities around the globe.”
He linked the agreements with a broader strategy to pressure China through regional alliances and prevent tariff workarounds such as trans-shipping.
Protecting Farmland from Foreign Influence
Marshall also addressed rising concerns over foreign investment in U.S. farmland. He praised Secretary of Agriculture Brooks Rollins for issuing an executive rule barring countries of concern, including China and Iran, from purchasing American agricultural land.
“It’s not just about how much land they buy, it’s where they’re buying,” Marshall said, citing purchases near Fort Riley and other military installations. He called for further action from state legislatures to restrict such acquisitions.
Aviation Industry Poised for Growth
While agriculture dominated the discussion, Marshall also touched on positive developments for Kansas’ aviation sector. He noted that trade partners including Qatar and Vietnam are committing to buy Boeing aircraft, a boost for Kansas manufacturers like Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita.
“These deals are not just about agriculture,” he said. “They’re about aviation and advanced manufacturing too — industries critical to Kansas’ economy.”
Marshall concluded by noting that the technological innovation driving the aerospace sector also supports defense, satellite, and semiconductor industries, areas where Kansas companies are seeing increased demand.