This quarterly podcast series is our no-nonsense take on today’s economic trends. It’s designed to break down key economic indicators in clear, everyday language—giving a "thumbs up" for positive signs and a "thumbs down" when caution is needed. The goal is to cut through the clutter, keep our community and stakeholders informed, and spark conversations that drive smart policy and real change.

Many agricultural policy topics provoke strong reactions or fall along political fault lines. That’s natural—people care deeply about the food they eat, the well-being of rural families and workers, shared natural resources, taxes, and more. Farm labor and immigration are extreme examples: despite decades of hard-fought compromise in Congress, durable solutions remain elusive due to the broader political climate. And these dynamics don’t just play out in Washington—they show up...

This quarterly podcast series is our no-nonsense take on today’s economic trends. It’s designed to break down key economic indicators in clear, everyday language—giving a "thumbs up" for positive signs and a "thumbs down" when caution is needed. The goal is to cut through the clutter, keep our community and stakeholders informed, and spark conversations that drive smart policy and real change.