With its upcoming legislative fly-in, ARA’s policy team has been working on its priorities for the year ahead. ARA’s senior director of government affairs Hunter Carpenter gave a status report in mid-January as funding and appropriation bills were starting to move.

With its upcoming legislative fly-in, ARA&rsquo;s policy team has been working on its priorities for the year ahead. ARA&rsquo;s senior director of government affairs Hunter Carpenter gave a status report in mid-January as funding and appropriation bills were starting to move.

The Scoop podcast hosts conversations with retailers and industry leaders on top-of-mind topics affecting ag retail today and in the future

The Scoop podcast hosts conversations with retailers and industry leaders on top-of-mind topics affecting ag retail today and in the future

The Scoop Podcast

Episode 218: What Policies & Regulations Will Have the Biggest Effect on Ag Retailers in 2026?

In this episode of The Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp sits down with Hunter Carpenter from the Agricultural Retailers Association to break down the critical policy shifts currently moving through Washington, D.C. The conversation centers on the House-passed Farm Bill, highlighting key wins like the TSP Access Act and the new plant biostimulant definition. However, Hunter also addresses the "hiccups" in the House version, specifically the removal of language regarding uniform labeling and NPDES permit reforms—issues the ARA hopes to revive in the Senate. The episode further explores the House's recent passage of year-round E15 sales. Beyond legislation, Hunter discusses the ARA’s cautious stance on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, emphasizing that maintaining competition is vital for keeping freight rates manageable for retailers.

In this episode of The Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp sits down with Hunter Carpenter from the Agricultural Retailers Association to break down the critical policy shifts currently moving through Washington, D.C. The conversation centers on the House-passed Farm Bill, highlighting key wins like the TSP Access Act and the new plant biostimulant definition. However, Hunter also addresses the "hiccups" in the House version, specifically the removal of language regarding uniform labeling and NPDES permit reforms&mdash;issues the ARA hopes to revive in the Senate. The episode further explores the House's recent passage of year-round E15 sales. Beyond legislation, Hunter discusses the ARA&rsquo;s cautious stance on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, emphasizing that maintaining competition is vital for keeping freight rates manageable for retailers.

The Scoop Podcast Farm Bill Roadblocks & E15 Breakthroughs -- What Ag Retailers Need to Know Now

John Hockett, CEO of Marion Ag Service, is the second-generation leader for this family-run ag retailer located in Oregon. As a previous recipient of ARA’s Retailer of the Year, Marion Ag Service exemplifies excellence in its business in many ways, which Hockett boils down to “little things matter.” This year marks 50 years of business, and Hockett shares a bit on their vision for the next 50.

John Hockett, CEO of Marion Ag Service, is the second-generation leader for this family-run ag retailer located in Oregon. As a previous recipient of ARA&rsquo;s Retailer of the Year, Marion Ag Service exemplifies excellence in its business in many ways, which Hockett boils down to &ldquo;little things matter.&rdquo; This year marks 50 years of business, and Hockett shares a bit on their vision for the next 50.

The Scoop Podcast: Trust-Driven Service Propels Independent Ag Retailer To Major Milestone

With recently announced guidance from the Department of the Treasury, to support the documentation of agricultural production required to participate for Section 45Z tax credits, Bushel and Verity have integrated their on-farm data,  sustainability modeling and compliance platform. Kimberly Bowron, president of Verity, and Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel, explain what’s next for traceability in the grain business.  

With recently announced guidance from the Department of the Treasury, to support the documentation of agricultural production required to participate for Section 45Z tax credits, Bushel and Verity have integrated their on-farm data, &nbsp;sustainability modeling and compliance platform. Kimberly Bowron, president of Verity, and Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel, explain what&rsquo;s next for traceability in the grain business. &nbsp;

Episode 218: What Policies & Regulations Will Have the Biggest Effect on Ag Retailers in 2026?

In 1 playlist(s)

The Scoop Podcast

Follow podcast

Recent clips