In this episode, Heidi Heitkamp hosts a lively discussion with Rachel Prevost, Executive Director of the Montana Farmers Union, and Matt Perdue, President of the North Dakota Farmers Union. They explore critical topics impacting American agriculture today, including trade policies, farm bill dynamics, land consolidation, and the resilience of rural communities. Their insights highlight both challenges and opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Key topics covered:

• The Supreme Court's decision to roll back tariffs and its impact on farmers
• Uncertainty surrounding trade relationships, especially with China and Mexico
• The importance of reforms in the farm bill to support family farms and local food systems
• The growing consolidation of farmland and its implications for future farm succession
• The need to reconnect consumers with the origin of their food through mandatory country-of-origin labeling (M-COOL)
• Rural healthcare, infrastructure, and quality of life as vital components of sustainable agriculture
• The significance of value-added production and new markets for U.S. agricultural products
• Challenges faced by young and beginning farmers, including economic opportunities and community support
• The importance of domestic demand growth and renewable fuels in shaping a resilient farm economy
• The role of advocacy and policy in securing a future where rural communities thrive

Resources & Links:

• Montana Farmers Union
• North Dakota Farmers Union
• Heidi’s take on the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
• A Farm Bill Worth Fighting For

Connect with our guests:

• Rachel Prevost
• Matt Perdue

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

• (00:00) - Introduction to Agricultural Challenges
• (03:07) - Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
• (06:07) - Impact of Tariffs on Farmers
• (09:04) - Farm Bill Discussions and Concerns
• (12:03) - Consolidation in Agriculture
• (14:57) - Healthcare Access for Farmers
• (17:34) - Trade Agreements and Country of Origin Labeling
• (20:31) - Future of Young Farmers
• (23:40) - Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

Hold onto your hats — this episode is a wake-up call, a rallying cry for the soul of rural America. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont spills the truth bombs on agriculture, healthcare, trade, and the values that bind us all — forces that are threatened but must be fought for with passion, integrity, and boldness. If you're tired of the noise, ready for real solutions, and crave authentic voices, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• The real fights behind the farm bill and why it’s more than just policy — it’s about survival and dignity.
• How tariffs, trade wars, and market loss hurt farmers and rural communities — beyond political talking points.
• The erosion of core rural values like community, self-reliance, and tolerance — and why they matter to everyone.
• The crisis in rural healthcare and what it reveals about government failures.
• The dangerous politicization of justice, border enforcement, and immigration — and the urgent need for oversight and accountability.
• Practical solutions to fix broken systems — healthcare, labor, trade — rooted in respect and bipartisan action.
• A call to approach rural folks not as victims or subjects but as neighbors, allies, and innovators.

Resources & Links:

• Farm Bill Insights
• The impact of tariffs on farmers
• Healthcare in Rural America

Connect with Senator Welch:

• Senator Welch's official website
• Senator Welch on Bluesky

• (00:00) - Introduction to The Hot Dish
• (01:40) - The Farm Bill Debate
• (06:44) - Challenges Facing Rural America
• (12:30) - Healthcare in Rural Communities
• (19:19) - The Impact of Immigration Policies
• (24:15) - The Role of the Judiciary
• (32:06) - Conclusion and Reflections on Rural Values
• (39:45) - Mailbag + outro

This episode is a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt the call to make a real difference. Whether you’re new to politics or part of the old guard, Amanda Litman’s story and insights will inspire you to step up, speak out, and run — for your community, your future, your life!

In this episode:

• Amanda Litman breaks down how "Run for Something" energizes diverse, non-traditional leaders to run for local office
• The key to motivating candidates: focus on their passion, not their willingness to beg
• How flipping districts in 2025 showed that authentic candidates can beat money and outmoded politics
• Overcoming fears: safety, sacrifice, and doubts — and turning them into fuel for change
• The vital role of women, rural leaders, and young people in shaping future politics
• Practical tips for everyday citizens to exercise power—door knocking, volunteering, and engaging directly with representatives
• Why courage, persistence, and authenticity beat slick campaigns every single time

Resources & Links:

• Run for Something
• Run for What
• Amanda Litman (Google Search)
• Local Progress
• Future Caucus
• State Innovation Exchange

Connect with Amanda Litman:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn

This episode is a call — a declaration — that YOU are part of this movement. Your voice, your vote, your courage can change history. Don’t wait — run, speak, act. The future isn’t written yet. Let’s write it together.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

• (00:00) - Introduction to Run for Something
• (01:22) - Empowering Young Leaders in Politics
• (03:23) - The Candidate Recruitment Process
• (04:45) - Understanding Candidate Success Rates
• (06:21) - Overcoming Doubts About Winning
• (08:36) - Addressing Fears of Running for Office
• (10:29) - Navigating Financial Sacrifices in Campaigning
• (12:58) - Reframing Fundraising as Public Service
• (15:30) - Encouraging Women to Run for Office
• (17:19) - Building a Pipeline for Future Candidates
• (19:35) - The Importance of Community Engagement
• (22:11) - Call to Action
• (23:18) - Minnesota's Political Landscape with Grant Hauschild
• (29:27) - Addressing Authoritarianism and Civic Responsibility
• (32:12) - Empowering Citizens to Take Action
• (34:31) - The Role of Candidate Recruitment in Democracy