Farm Bill

House Passes 2026 Farm Bill: The Impact on U.S. Farmers

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:22 GMT

With a bipartisan vote of 224-200, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567 , the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, on April 30. In addition to extensive updates to food and agriculture programs in a budget-neutral package, this vote marks the farthest a farm bill has made it in Congress since the most recent reauthorization was signed into law in 2018.

After a series of floor debates and last-minute amendments, the bill now moves to the Senate with some notable changes, including:

Year-round E15 sales removed from bill to be voted on in two weeks
Late amendment includes language to strengthen the domestic supply of fertilizer
Pesticide liability protections were stripped from the bill

My amendment passed! Pesticide liability protections have been stripped from the farm bill. 🔥⚔️🔥
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) April 30, 2026

“Working in Congress on behalf of our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities is an honor — even when the work requires debating the farm bill through the night,” says House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15). “I can think of no more important work than championing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, and I am extremely pleased to see this bill pass out of the House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan vote.”

With a vote of 14 Democrats in favor, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 obtained the highest number of votes from the minority party on a House farm bill since 2008. Similarly, with over 96% of the GOP Conference voting in favor, this is the highest level of Republican support for a House farm bill in history, affirming the commitment of House Republicans to rural America.

“I especially want to thank all parties who were involved in the negotiations that allowed the farm bill to proceed to the floor and secure a future vote on year-round E15,” Thompson says. “Members of the Biofuels Caucus are tireless champions for rural America, and I look forward to joining them May 13 in advancing that important legislation.”

Swift Senate Action Needed

As the bill heads to the Senate for debate, Thompson reinforces that “farm country needs updated policy” that reflects current challenges in U.S. agriculture.

“The 2026 farm bill fills that gap,” Thompson says. “I look forward to seeing Chairman Boozman and the Senate make progress on this important legislation so we can get the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 sent to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, along with all of the Democrats on the committee, says the committee looks forward to working with Senate Republicans on a bipartisan Farm Bill that can be successful on the Senate floor.

“We have been clear that the Farm Bill must address the needs of American farmers and families,” Klobuchar says. “With a five-year high in small farm bankruptcies, the Farm Bill must address rising input costs, provide new opportunities for domestic markets, and fight for a trade agenda that works for everyone. Senate Democrats are committed to ensuring all states are treated equally by delaying the new SNAP cost shifts and addressing the needs of farm country.”

Pesticide Amendment Passes

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s (R-Fla.) highly debated bill passed the House, stripping the farm bill of pesticide liability provisions. Before the amendment, the bill’s original language reaffirmed EPA as the sole agency capable of determining the information listed on a pesticide label. Critics, including Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) advocates, worried the language would shield pesticide manufacturers from liability claims.

D.C. consultant Callie Eideberg, with the Vogel Group, saysthe provision’s controversy means the bill will likely have an uncertain future moving forward.

“This means that pesticide companies, the chemical companies, are now still going to be dealing with the status quo, dealing with different requirements from different states,” Eideberg says.

In a post on X, Rep. Luna reaffirmed her disapproval of glyphosate and other pesticides.

“I do not support giving blanket immunity to corporations at the expense of American families. Pesticides are linked to a 30% increase in childhood cancer and over 170 studies corroborate the evidence,” Luna says.

In a press release following the bill’s approval in the lower chamber, the Modern Ag Alliance, a group backed by chemical company Bayer and over 100 agriculture companies wrote, “Today, the House turned its back on the farmers who feed, fuel and clothe this country. By gutting common-sense crop protection provisions from the farm bill, lawmakers caved to anti-science MAHA activists instead of standing with those who grow our food.”

Iowa farmer Mark Jackson says it is “unfortunate” Congress could not give farmers support for chemical weed control products. Jackson said farmers should be allowed the “freedom to farm” and said glyphosate’s scientific approval process, and the product’s 50-year registration history make it a credible product for farmers to use.

“I think we need to rally around science, follow the science,” he adds.

Eideberg says as the bill moves to the Senate, the MAHA movement could continue to influence debates. She believes the smaller body of the Senate will bring a different dynamic to the issue.

“I think we’re going to see those MAHA influencers feeling very emboldened by this win today and pushing even harder in the Senate to get more of what they’re looking for,” she says.

Farmers Praise Passage of Farm Bill
Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower says USDA programs are important to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs.

“We look forward to working with our allies in Congress over the next two weeks to secure passage of the E15 legislation,” Bower says. “Thanks to continued efforts on this issue from our biofuel champions, Speaker Johnson promised a vote on E15, and we refuse to allow a handful of multi-million and multi-billion-dollar energy companies to derail our efforts. Allowing the year-round sale of E15 would help our growers by expanding ethanol sales while also saving consumers money at the pump at a time when fuel prices are on the rise.”

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is looking forward to the Senate taking up the farm bill without delay as farmers face unprecedented challenges.

“The House-passed 2026 Farm Bill supports the farm safety net, preserves existing conservation programs that include opportunities for dairy and livestock producers, bolsters trade promotion programs while protecting common food names, recognizes the important role of dairy in nutrition, and supports animal health programs,” said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud. “All of these are important priorities to dairy farmers and the broader industry, and we appreciate the leadership shown by House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and other dairy champions to get this legislation through the House.”

U.S. pork producers are praising a very significant section that provides “much-needed relief from the misguided California Proposition 12 ” in addition to expanding the Animal Health Protection Act to include improving animal disease traceability and requiring thorough documentation on USDA’s ability to protect producers from significant economic losses due to a foreign animal disease outbreak.

Prop. 12 is creating uncertainty for pork producers and raising costs across the supply chain. Congress has a role to restore regulatory clarity.

It’s time for a fix. #FixProp12

🎥 Video credit: @HouseAgGOP pic.twitter.com/lkAmG1bmAw
— NPPC (@NPPC) April 30, 2026

“Today’s House farm bill passage is a testament to the power of rural America when we stand up for our farms and future generations with a unified voice,” said Rob Brenneman, National Pork Producers Council president and pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. “We wholeheartedly thank our champions—House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, Rep. Ashley Hinson, and others—for not backing down from the fight for what is right for rural America. He and congressional supporters on both sides of the aisle heard our plea to help America’s pork producers.”

Eideburg points out that opposition to the farm bill pork provisions in the House are coming from several fronts.

“First, it’s coming from animal welfare groups that want to see those requirements in place,” she says. “We want to see minimum standard requirements for gestation rates. This other opposition is coming from companies and farmers who have already complied with Prop 12 and they don’t want that requirement removed because then they are going to be a) at a competitive disadvantage and b) out a ton of capital investment that they made on their to comply.”

The bill reflects many of wheat farmers’ top priorities from modernizing farm credit and safeguarding international food aid programs to enhancing export competitiveness, says National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Jamie Kres.

“These provisions will help ensure America’s wheat farmers can remain resilient and globally competitive,” Kres says.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane appreciates how Thompson and House leadership took the time to listen to real farmers and ranchers.

“Instead of caving to attacks on the livestock industry from shell activist groups that impersonate real producers, a bipartisan group of lawmakers advanced a bill that will provide certainty and important policy fixes for cattle country,” Lane says. “We look forward to engaging with the Senate to advance this farm bill to the president’s desk.”

Industry Says This Farm Bill is Needed Now

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted McKinney says this legislation supports farmers, ranchers and consumers while providing economic growth opportunities for rural communities. H.R. 7567 prioritizes provisions that strengthen local food purchasing programs, enhance international market opportunities, reauthorize the three-legged stool for foreign animal disease prevention and preserve the viability of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says the inclusion of the Healthy Dog Importation Act is just one of the many key veterinary provisions they applaud in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. This would improve importation standards to ensure a dog is healthy when imported into the U.S., which is especially important considering New World screwworm in Mexico continues to move closer to the U.S. border.

“The AVMA applauds the House for advancing a Farm Bill that will strengthen dog importation standards, fund and assess federal programs vital to veterinary medicine, and protect the country’s animal and public health,” says Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, AVMA president. “Enacting the Farm Bill is essential to advancing research into effective recruitment and retention strategies for veterinarians serving in rural and underserved communities. With the legislation now moving to the Senate for consideration, we look forward to working further with Congress and will continue to underscore the importance of including veterinary priorities in the final version of the Farm Bill.”

Now, Not Tomorrow

After voting in support of the bill, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) says, “Rural America needs a new Farm Bill now, not tomorrow. With today’s passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, House Republicans have once again reaffirmed our commitment to American agriculture and delivered for hardworking growers and producers.”

Eideburg says funding for SNAP program will likely be a major fight in the Senate. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” shifted some costs within the program to state governments. She says the funding restructure and the combined potential vote to ban soda from SNAP could cause tension in the upper chamber.

She also says year-round E15 provisions, which were taken from the farm bill and punted for a vote in the House next week, could see as much opposition in the Senate.

“This really is a big hurdle to get E15, year-round E15 over the line.”

Farmers Could See Increased Farm Program Payments With Eligibility Changes

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:56:47 GMT

The One Big Beautiful Bill changed eligibility requirements for farm programs, including ARC and PLC, which could increase payments for farmers, depending on their business entity. USDA is clarifying those eligibility requirements for farmers and qualified pass-through business entities.

The bill raised payment limits to $155,000, but new rules will allow for additional farm program payments, according to Richard Fordyce, USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation.

“The bill does allow for members of business entities, such as partnerships, S-Corps, LLCs, joint ventures, general partnerships and the like, to qualify for their own unique payment limit if that were to be the case, say for an ARC or ARC county or PLC payment.

This will allow more farmer-owners to receive farm program payments, says Paul Neiffer, Farm CPA.

“LLCs or any entity taxed as a partnership or an S-corporation, those entities are going to be treated the same as a general partnership. If you had four equal owners, you get four payment limits instead of one payment limit,” he explains.

Navigating Business Structure Changes

As a result, Neiffer says some farms are changing their business structure.

“As long as you’re under the AGI limit, switching from a C-corp, which is still going to be stuck with one payment limit, to an S-Corp will get you multiple payment limits, if you have multiple owners. I’ve told people that if you’re a general partnership, you do not want to be switching over to an LLC yet until we have confirmation on the AGI limits,” he says.

Fordyce clarifies that FSA offices will be allowing entity changes after June 1, so farmers can be eligible for any benefits for the 2026 crop.

The definition of “actively engaged” in farming is also changing.

“They are going to still need to be actively engaged, but in some cases with these business entities, the payment limits to multiple members was limited. This changes that,” Fordyce says.

Base Acre Updates and Implementation Timeline

USDA is also updating 30 million base acres, which will be allocated based on 2019 to 2023 plantings, but only for new acres.

Neiffer says this could also enhance payments.

“Right now, we have about 245 million base acres. If we add in 30 million, that’s about a 12% increase, and remember, you’re paid based on base acres. You’re not paid based on planted acres.”

He reminds farmers the changes start with the 2026 crop with payments going out in the fall of 2027.

Congress Eyes 'Skinny' Farm Bill and $15B in Ag Aid

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:40:38 GMT

The House and Senate Agriculture Committees are working on passing a “skinny” farm bill alongside $15 billion in farm aid.

On the Senate side, Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman says he expects work on the farm bill to begin within weeks, rather than months.

Skinny Farm Bill Moves Toward House Floor

The House version of the bill is gaining momentum after successfully passing out of the House Agriculture Committee.

Chairman G.T. Thompson says the bill will not be ready for a full House vote in time for the White House Celebration of Ag. However, he expects it to advance soon. Thompson told AgriTalk he is currently consulting with Democrats and various caucuses ahead of the vote.

“When I check the box on those, I think in the near future here,” Thompson says. “It’ll be after Easter obviously. At this point we’re going to be ready, we’re going to be ready to go. We’re going to be ready to take this to the House floor.”

Areas of Contention

Thompson expects a lively debate on the House floor regarding SNAP benefits and the Ag Labeling Uniformity Act. The latter dictates labeling rules for pesticides.

“There are some folks that think that we ought to have 50 different sets of instructions and 50 different processes to go through. It just drives up the cost of food and I also think it creates chaos to where we can put our farmers in harm’s way. I trust the EPA. I trust those scientists,” he explains.

Proposition 12 will also be a point of contention. Thompson notes the Supreme Court directed Congress to resolve issues tied to California’s sow production rules.

“That doesn’t step on states rights to do whatever a state wants to do. Doesn’t interfere with animal safety in different states. It just doesn’t allow one state to dictate to all the other states,” he adds.

High Odds of Passage

Thompson remains optimistic about the bill’s passage following a strong bipartisan committee vote. He also notes that support from President Trump should help the bill advance through the House.

The Senate may face a more difficult path, as 60 votes are required for passage.

$15 Billion in Farm Aid

Congress is also developing a supplemental funding bill that may include much-needed farm aid. Thompson says the assistance is critical for the industry.

“You know what we did a year and a half ago, I would have thought we wouldn’t have needed that. But the lingering impacts of inflation, the availability of inputs, the cost of inputs, you know, the disruption that’s caused by trade negotiations have made it a must,” he adds.

Thompson is working with Senate leadership on a $15 billion aid package.

“They’re looking at $10 billion for row crops, $5 billion for specialty crops. I actually have gone on record and said we need $10 billion for specialty crops and I need another $200 million for sawmills,” he explains.

The legislation could also include provisions for year-round E15 sales.

ARA Applauds House Ag Committee Passage of the Farm Bill

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:04:35 GMT

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) applauds the House Agriculture Committee’s passage of the Farm Food & National Security Act of 2026 (Farm Bill), which passed by a bipartisan vote of 34-17.

“Chairman G.T. Thompson’s Farm, Food, and National Security Act supports the agricultural industry while maintaining farmer access to modern agricultural technologies, including critical pesticides and other crop protection tools,” said ARA’s President & CEO, Daren Coppock. “ARA looks forward to continuing our work with Congress to advance this legislation, which strengthens the farm economy and ensures a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply for American consumers and global markets.”

This legislation includes provisions that strengthen the farm safety net and risk management tools, invest in conservation and research, and promote trade and rural development, all of which help ensure that retailers and their supplier partners can continue to make long-term investments that support farmer success.

Following Chairman Thompson’s introduction of the bill, ARA’s President & CEO, Daren Coppock, sent a letter expressing ARA’s strong and enthusiastic support of the legislation. Read the letter here .

The full text of the Farm Bill can be found here .

House Ag Committee Starts Farm Bill Mark Up

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:24:42 GMT

The push to get a five-year farm bill has been renewed in the House Ag Committee as Chairman G.T. Thompson released language and mark up began on Tuesday.

One Big Beautiful Bill Omits Farm Bill Titles

While some question why a new long term farm bill is needed, a cross section of the nation’s farm groups explain the bill did not cover all the titles normal included in a long-term farm bill.

“We had a lot of the provisions of the farm bill that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill — the increase in reference prices, some changes and improvements to crop insurance, etc. But there’s still some really important aspects of the farm bill that need to be passed,” says Steve Censky, chief executive officer of the American Soybean Association.

Sam Kieffer, chief executive officer of the National Association of Wheat Growers, points out the One Big Beautiful Bill did not touch the conservation title or reauthorize programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Nor did the legislation deal with credit or expand farm loan limits.

“It is time to give our folks some certainty when it comes to conservation programs, when it comes to credit. The cost of doing business is drastically different than it was in 2018. And the 2018 Farm Bill was based off of data from three, four years prior. So, we want to make sure that we improve the credit section of of the farm bill, get that finished,” Kieffer says.

Farm Safety Net Needed

Kieffer adds a farm bill is also needed to provide certainty to farmers and offer a farm safety net in times of negative margins.

“There’s three years of market loss that our growers are struggling with at the moment, and they’re making hard decisions. Some of them are reducing acres, some of them are letting land go and there’s a price to be paid for that as well,” Kieffer says.

House Ag Committee Language Includes Prop 12 Ag Labeling Uniformity Act

Chairman Thompson’s farm bill language includes a Ag Labeling Uniformity Act, which covers pesticide registrations, according to Censky.

“Which means that the EPA is going to have preeminence when they make a health and safety determination of a pesticide, a crop protection product. You can’t have a state adopt different rules,” Censky says.

The House language also includes a national fix to California’s strict Prop 12 sow production standards and the possible patchwork of rules in other states.

However, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) would lose around $1 billion in budget authority over the next four fiscal years under the House Agriculture Committee’s GOP farm bill draft, according to calculations by the Congressional Budget Office. EQIP was essentially used as a funding source for other priorities in the legislation.

Include Food for Peace Program

Kieffer says NAWG also wants Congress to move the Food for Peace Program to USDA in the language of the Farm Bill.

“USDA knows how to deal with farm commodities. USDA is already in the business of engaging in food aid programs globally. They have the infrastructure. They have the personnel and they understand agriculture. So, the farm bill that is ready to be moved in the house here soon has a provision that would include that,” Kieffer adds.

Senate Preparing for Farm Bill Mark Up

While the Senate Agriculture Committee has not released farm bill language or scheduled a mark-up, chairman John Boozman told Agri-Pulse his committee will take up a farm bill of its own in the coming months. Timing will be dependent in part on how debate over a House version proceeds.

Will Congress Pass a Farm Bill?

Still there’s uncertainty about the appetite for passage of a farm bill in Congress according to Tim Lust, chief executive officer of National Sorghum Producers.

“A lot of these details honestly have been negotiated for a year or two, and it’s maybe little tweaks to them, but a lot of the main things haven’t really changed. It’s a matter of how do we get that across the finish line and find a way to get it signed into law?” he says.

ARA Commends the Release of the Farm Bill Text

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:18:14 GMT

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President and CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement in response to the introduction of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 by House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.):

“ARA commends Chairman G.T. Thompson for his leadership in advancing the 2026 Farm Bill and for his commitment to providing long term certainty for America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural supply chain partners,” said ARA President & CEO, Daren Coppock. “Agricultural producers continue to face significant challenges, including volatile markets, extreme weather, global trade instability, labor shortages, and rising input costs. A strong, forward looking Farm Bill is essential to maintaining a reliable safety net that supports our nation’s food, energy, and fiber supply, while also investing in conservation, research, rural development, crop protection, trade promotion, and nutrition programs.”

Protecting farmers’ continued access to modern agricultural technologies, including pesticides, is also critical for ARA members. These tools play an essential role in managing risk, improving productivity, and helping farmers produce more with fewer resources—supporting both the economic viability of farm operations and the environmental sustainability of American agriculture through science based policies.

While some Farm Bill provisions were addressed in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in 2025, many of ARA’s priorities were not included due to the limitations of the budget reconciliation process, which generally excludes discretionary programs.

ARA appreciates Chairman Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for their work on this critical legislation and looks forward to working with Congress to advance a Farm Bill that strengthens the farm economy and ensures a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply for American consumers and global markets.

$12B Farm Aid Package Leaves Out Specialty Crops

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:40:04 GMT

The USDA announced Monday that it will make $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to “temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs.”

Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which provides broad relief to U.S. row crop farmers, according to a news release.

USDA says the remaining $1 billion of the $12 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA Program, “such as specialty crops and sugar, for example, though details including timelines for those payments are still under development and require additional understanding of market impacts and economic needs.”

In response, the co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance issued the following statement:

“We are disappointed that specialty crop growers were not included in today’s announcement. As we wrote to the President on October 6, 2025 , family farms that produce safe and nutritious fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, as well as cultivate the trees, flowers, and plants that play a vital role in the nation’s health and wellbeing, continue to face unprecedented economic challenges.

“We stand ready to work with the administration and Congress to advance a meaningful assistance package to support specialty crop growers during this difficult period.”

A national coalition of more than 150 organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance was established to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop agriculture and improve the health of Americans by broadening the scope of U.S. agricultural public policy.

The SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.

The Scoop Podcast: What the Government Shut Down and Trade Updates Mean for Ag Retailers

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 22:39:53 GMT

Hunter Carpenter from ARA’s public policy team joins The Scoop Podcast to discuss the bill reopening the federal government, and what’s included for ag. He also gives an update on trade including USMCA, China, and the critical minerals listing.

Federal Government Reopening

After 43 days, the federal government is open with the senate and house passing a funding bill which the President signed.

The funding bill included full-year appropriations for USDA.

“For agriculture specifically, this package would reauthorize major ag programs, through all of fiscal year 2026, which helps ensure continuity for crop insurance, risk management tools, and also pluses up and restores the Commodity Credit Corporation’s funding, which is obviously very important if the administration plans to use CCC funds to pay for some sort of market facilitation program like they did in the first Trump administration,” Carpenter says.

You can join the ag retail industry as it gathers from the annual ARA Conference and Expo in Salt Lake City. Learn more at aradc.org.

Carpenter says the latest bill in conjunction with the “One Big Beautiful Bill” have patched together many of ARA’s policy priorities—but they aren’t a replacement for a comprehensive Farm Bill.

“Much of the budgetary portions of the Farm Bill were included in the One Big Beautiful bill that passed back in July. Now, a lot of the policy goals that we try to get achieved within the Farm Bill were set aside, and now, with these ag appropriations bills, which are different than a farm bill, those approps bills have to be passed every year,” Carpenter says.

He points out the last five-year Farm Bill was passed in 2018. We’ve had one-year extensions every year since.

Critical Mineral Listing

Another policy issues ARA has been working on the inclusion of potash and phosphate as a critical mineral for the Department of Interior.

“Potash and phosphate are both essential for agriculture production, as both primary nutrients that crops need to grow alongside nitrogen. They’re fundamental to plant health and yield and quality. The U.S. imports a lot of the potash that we receive, largely from Canada. And then significant amounts of phosphate as well from other countries. That makes this supply chain vulnerable to trade disputes, geopolitical instability, transportation bottlenecks,” he says.

He points out the phosphate listing isn’t limited to just phosphate rock but also ammoniated phosphate, which is used for manufacturing of glyphosate.

“If we’re not producing the most popular herbicide on the market, who fills that void? It’s likely going to be China. Then what happens to the prices of that input, when you’re reliant on another country for all of that production?” Carpenter says.

He says when minerals are added to the listing is given recognition to their importance, encourage domestic investment, build supply chain resilience and support research.

“There are going to be benefits to ag retailers here, reliability of access, and maybe, hopefully, some price stability. Also, some regulatory and policy support, and maybe, hopefully, some confidence. So, we think that food security is national security, and adding these products to the list will strengthen national food security,” Carpenter says.

Trade

ARA also contributed comments to two trade fronts—both supporting USMCA and a 16-year agreement and talking about Section 301 tariffs and their effect on farmers and ag retailers being able to plan for their businesses with confidence.

Potential Rail Merger

Since July, the industry has been watching Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern who filed a formal notice of intent with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) of their intent to merge.

“They’re expected to submit their full merger application in January of 2026, so just in a couple of months. Once that application’s filed and deemed complete, STB begins the formal procedural review schedule. This would likely take about 12 to 18 months, which means the decision could come early to mid-2027,” Carpenter says. “It might seem like a long way away, but with supply chain issues, these things still have consequences. So, during this ongoing review period, stakeholders like ARA, other shippers, labor unions, competitors can all submit comments and raise concerns about competition, service reliability and some of the impacts that could be seen in supply chains.”

Carpenter spotlights a letter signed 18 senators—9 Democrats and 9 Republicans—showing Congress’ interest in the STB following its rigorous and comprehensive evaluations in this progress reviewing the merger.

“The letter highlights their key concerns, which would be this network between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would control over 40% of the U.S. freight rail traffic. And this would span roughly 50,000 route miles across 43 states. So, this could significantly affect agricultural producers who depend on competitive rail service,” Carpenter says.

Another Temporary Fix: Stopgap Bill Includes Farm Bill Extension — Is This the New Normal for Ag Policy?

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:26:14 GMT

A new stopgap spending bill to reopen the government also extends key Farm Bill programs for one year—covering the provisions left out of July’s budget package. While the Senate waits on the House to vote, it brings up what some economists think may be a new reality: the days of passing a comprehensive Farm Bill may be over, and a piecemeal approach could be the new norm in Washington.

It’s been about 6 years and 11 months since Congress passed a new, comprehensive (5-year) farm bill. This week, the continuing resolution (CR), which funds the federal government through January 30, includes an extension of the current farm bill, again. This prevents outdated “permanent law” provisions from taking effect. Without action, those Depression-era statutes could have triggered mandatory price supports for certain commodities, disrupting markets.

The bill also includes an extension of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, ensuring official grain inspection and weighing services continue without interruption.

Senate Votes 60–40 to Advance the Measure

The Senate advanced the package in a 60–40 vote Sunday night, providing farmers relief from uncertainty over whether core safety-net programs might lapse.

An earlier package dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” increased funding for commodity programs, crop insurance, and export promotion, but it left out several smaller and conservation-related initiatives—including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The new CR temporarily fills that gap while Congress works toward a full Farm Bill reauthorization.

Boozman: “Critical USDA Services Resume”

Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, praised the bill’s passage, emphasizing its importance for both producers and rural communities.

“Ending the government shutdown ensures critical USDA services resume so vulnerable families no longer experience disruptions to nutrition benefits, farmers can access the programs and personnel they rely on to keep their operations running efficiently and disaster assistance is delivered,” Boozman said in a statement.“We advanced long-overdue farm bill policy improvements in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including enhanced risk management tools farmers have been calling for, and we’re continuing work to reauthorize other key initiatives. Extending the farm bill and the U.S. Grain Standards Act gives us more time to finalize these programs essential to farmers, ranchers and rural America.”

Is This the New Norm?

The extension buys lawmakers additional time to complete a comprehensive Farm Bill reauthorization, expected to be one of the top legislative priorities in early 2026.

But the loss of urgency to pass a new, comprehensive five-year farm bill may be due to the fact Congress included key enhancements to the Farm Safety Net in the One Big Beautiful Bill earlier this year. The Farm Journal Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor asked economists in July if that makes it more difficult or easier to pass a Farm Bill this year. 70% said yes. And in September, the Monthly Monitor asked when Congress will pass a new farm bill. Nearly 40% (39%) said a piecemeal approach for passing the farm bill is the new norm.

According to the Congressional Research Service, Sections 10101 and 10108 (Title I, Agriculture) would increase federal outlays by about $52.3 billion + $1.6 billion over 10 years.

The American Farm Bureau Federation says the bill directs about $65.6 billion in new agricultural investment over 10 years: ~$59 billion for core farm safety-net enhancements, ~$6.6 billion for other ag priorities.

Key Farm Bill-style Provisions in the OBBB

Here’s a breakdown of major provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that impact legislation within the Farm Bill:

1. Extension & enhancement of commodity support / safety-net programs

The bill extends core programs originally in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) through crop year 2031.
Reference prices under the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program are raised.
The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program’s revenue guarantee is increased (for example, from 86% to 90%) and maximum payment rates increased.
Marketing Assistance Loan rates are increased.
The bill provides a one-time opportunity for eligible producers to update base acres (“new base acre holdings”).

2. Crop insurance and disaster assistance

Premium subsidies for crop insurance increase; the bill boosts coverage levels for the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) policies.
Disaster assistance programs are expanded: loss types eligible are broadened, thresholds for payment triggers are lowered, and coverage levels increased.

3. Dairy, sugar, and specialty commodities

For dairy: The bill increases the amount of milk production a producer can enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. Also, it requires dairy product manufacturers to report cost/yield data so that “make allowances” under the federal milk marketing order system can be updated.
For sugar: Under the sugar support program, priority is given to sugar-beet processors if marketing allotments are raised; the bill also mandates reallocation of tariff-rate quota shortfalls by March 1 and requires USDA to report on refined sugar imports.

4. Agricultural research, animals, trust funds, and miscellaneous programs

Section 10108 of the bill funds: the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, National Animal Disease Preparedness Response Program, and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank.
Extends funding for trust funds supporting pima cotton, wool, certain textile, and citrus industries.
Miscellaneous investments in horticulture, energy (for agriculture), trade promotion, and rural infrastructure also included.

While nothing is easy in Washington, it seems addressing portions of farm bill funding within other legislation is the path of least resistance. Which could change the way farm bills are shaped - and passed through Congress- in the years ahead.

Opposition to the Farm Bill Extension

While most farm groups applaud the one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) says it comes with potential issues for small and medium size farmers.

“The Senate’s deal to reopen the government has a number of problems that will hurt farmers and rural communities. The Senate attaches a 12-month Farm Bill extension to the deal, setting up the possibility for more chaos just a year from now,” says Michael Happ, Program Associate for Climate and Rural Communities. “Even worse, it is not a clean extension. The text proposes eliminating payment limitations for Farm Bill conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). In most years, well over half of applicants to EQIP are turned away due to a lack of funds — and without payment limits, the USDA will likely issue fewer, larger EQIP contracts. By getting rid of the payment limit, the Senate opens the door for more of EQIP’s finite resources to be diverted to the largest operations while more small and midscale farms are closed out.”

IATP is urging the Senate needs to keep payment limits in place and go back to the negotiating table.

Farmers Say They Shoulder The Cost Of Mergers In Seed, Fertilizer Industries

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:43:26 GMT

Testimony from farmers, economists and legislators during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting Tuesday painted a stark picture of the challenges row crop growers are up against to stay in business as input prices continue to climb and profit margins are severely squeezed.

The hearing exposed a critical challenge for U.S. production agriculture: as a handful of corporations controls more of the agricultural supply chain for seed and fertilizer, farmers say they are left with fewer choices, higher costs and diminishing control over their own operations.

Noah Coppess, a fifth-generation farmer based in Cedar County, Iowa, shared his personal observations on the industry’s transformation over the past few decades.

“The reality in farming today is we’re price takers rather than price makers,” he said, highlighting how farmers have lost bargaining power as agricultural manufacturers and suppliers have become increasingly concentrated.

“It’s further complicated by lack of price transparency, with farmers forced to operate at the liberty of the market at the front and back end,” Coppess added. “I have concerns with our input and equipment supply chains and their ability to manipulate our costs.”

‘The Cost Of Fertilizer Is Crushing Growers’

Coppess also told the committee how farmers are routinely asked to prepay for fertilizer three to six months prior to a needed application, and up to 14 months before their crop will be harvested.

“Many of the contracts are written with a narrow window to get the products applied, or the contract expires and the input is repriced at a higher value, or monthly fees can be applied to extend the contract,” he said.

Coppess noted that phosphate has become “a bare minimum usage fertilizer” on his farm due to the rising cost. “We have invested significant capital and time trying to find other ways to manage our phosphorus needs, as the cost of this input is at a point of negative return,” he said.

Mark Mueller, an Iowa farmer and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, gave written testimony for the committee, saying the massive increase in the cost of fertilizer is “crushing corn growers” in Iowa and other states.

“Growers across the country are facing an impossible decision: buy fertilizer or stay solvent. This is not sustainable, and it is well past time to stop ignoring the role of the fertilizer monopolies that dominate critical input markets,” Mueller said. “Right now, the price of our most essential input, fertilizer, is squeezing the life out of the American farmer like a vise. We must take action and return competition to our ag economy.”

Mueller discussed his report to the judiciary committee in more detail during a conversation on AgriTalk on Wednesday, which is available here:

Testimony from Diana Moss, vice president and director of competition policy at the Progressive Policy Institute, highlighted how the seed and fertilizer industries are dominated by only a handful of companies. She referenced a USDA study that shows two seed companies accounted for 72% of planted corn acres and 66% of planted soybean acres. In addition, Moss said the fertilizer industry is equally consolidated, with four firms controlling 77% of nitrogen production and 100% of potash and phosphate markets.

John Latham, president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, an independent seed company based in Alexander, Iowa, weighed in with his perspective on consolidation within the seed industry.

“Independent seed companies can offer products better suited for specific geographies than the multinationals. Unfortunately, many independent companies are going out of business as these multinational companies have become more powerful and, frankly, predatory,” Latham said, noting that the seed corn industry is 90% controlled by two companies.

Seed Costs Have Soared

Moss noted that the average price farmers paid for seed rose by 270% between 1990-2020.

“For crops planted predominately with GM seed, such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, seed prices rose by an average of 463%,” she said. “These price increases compared with commodity price inflation of 56% over the same period.”

Moss also warned that farmers also have little price transparency due to the practice of rolling seed technology prices into the total price of GM crop seed, making it harder to compare seed costs over time. “Farmers also see lower quality as previous generations of technology begin to lose their effectiveness,” she added.

Latham noted that seed prices aren’t just increasing for the newest and latest seed technology, but also on older technologies that are going off patent, or soon to be off patent. One example Latham gave is NK603, a glyphosate-resistant corn product, which went off patent in 2022.

“Farmers are being charged the highest royalties ever for this off-patent technology. More than 90% of biotech-traited corn in the United States is glyphosate resistant, so farmers are paying billions of dollars for seed royalties on a trait that has been off patent for three years,” Latham said.

Along with that, seed royalties have increased significantly. Latham said about 70% of the cost of a bag of seed goes to royalties now, compared to 42% just five years ago.

Farmers Ask For Workable Solutions

Senators from both parties expressed concern during the committee hearing, suggesting potential legislative solutions including improved transparency, antitrust enforcement, and support for independent agricultural research.

Caleb Ragland, a Kentucky farmer and president of the American Soybean Association, said Congress and the Trump administration need to take immediate action to reduce farm production costs and prevent additional family farm closures. He outlined three urgent policy priorities to improve economic conditions for U.S. soybean farmers:

1. Provide tariff relief on critical agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, seed, pesticides, machinery, and parts.

2. Finalize biofuel policy, including RFS volume obligations and 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit guidance, to expand domestic markets for soy.

3. Deliver targeted farmer assistance to help producers manage severe market losses and negative basis impacts.

The complete committee meeting – Pressure Cooker: Competition Issues in the Seed & Fertilizer Industries – is available on YouTube.

Your next read: ‘The System Is Failing Us:' Why Real Change is Needed in U.S. Agriculture

Corn Growers' New Leader Says Profitability Is Top Priority

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:54:40 GMT

The new farmer leader for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says profitability is his No. 1 priority as he starts his one-year term and plans for the year ahead.

“It’s just not where it needs to be at the farm level. We’re looking at a 90-some-cent loss per bushel as we look at next year’s crop to put out,” says Jed Bower, NCGA president and a fifth-generation farmer from Fayette County, Ohio.

While Bower says export numbers are good, he notes the market doesn’t reflect that positive picture, and more opportunity for U.S. corn is needed.

It’s why, during a recent conversation with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Bower encouraged her to “go after the big players” domestically and abroad to boost market opportunities for corn.

“We need to move large volumes. The small volumes are great, but large volumes are going to be what helps rural America,” Bower told AgriTalk Host Chip Flory earlier this week.

For the same reason – to boost profitability – Bower says NCGA continues to encourage Congress to pass legislation that would increase consumer access to higher blends of ethanol year-round.

Corn grower leaders have repeatedly claimed that one of the quickest ways to create more demand for corn is by passing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. It would remove an outdated regulation under the Clean Air Act that bans the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends during the summer months.

“We’re pushing for this E15 thing – almost had it over the line last December,” Bower says. “We’re close again, but there’s just so many things that aren’t going on in Washington right now that we need to keep having those conversations.”

Positive Action By California Governor Newsom
Significant encouragement regarding E15 came by way of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) just last week, when he signed a bill on Oct. 2 legalizing fuels with 15% ethanol blends.

“The potential volume for California alone is just tremendous,” Bower says. “I never thought I would be thanking the governor of California for signing that in, you know. That’s just not something that was on my radar, and I’m super pumped about it.”

Bower’s hope is the support Newsom gives for E15 puts leverage on the Trump administration and Congress to act immediately.

“Because, as we’ve talked numerous times, E15 cost taxpayers nothing,” Bower says. “It lowers the cost of gas at the pump for all their constituents, and for every 1% that we raise the blend, you’ve got 450-plus million bushels more grind. That helps make our corn worth a little more, and in turn, that strengthens rural America.”

The Need For More Trade And Fewer Regulatory Hurdles
During Bower’s time on AgriTalk, Flory asked him about his initial interactions with USDA Secretary Rollins and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Bower says Rollins “appears to be a quick study,” and he appreciates how much she is advocating in the world marketplace on behalf of U.S. agricultural products.

“I think that is huge,” Bower told Flory. “We’ve seen Brazil doing that the past couple years for their products, and beating us to a lot of punches. We really appreciate Secretary Rollins for taking the time to travel around the world to push American ag products.”

Regarding Secretary Zeldin, Bower says he looks forward to meeting him in the near future, and that Zeldin seems to be bringing “common sense” back to the regulatory playing field.

“A lot of these regulations drive up the cost of what we need to do as farmers,” Bower says. “Secretary Zeldin has been accessible to a lot of our staff, and I’m looking forward to diving into some of the regulatory issues we have and see if we can’t get a little more relief in some of those areas.”

For more insights into Bower’s perspective on market opportunities for corn and his hope for reducing regulatory pressures on farmers, be sure to listen to his conversation with Flory on AgriTalk, available here:

MFP 2.0? Ag Committees Consider Farm Aid Through Farm Bill 2.0

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:50:29 GMT

Chairs of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees are looking at farm aid through a Farm Bill 2.0.

House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson says a framework is already underway with the goal of committee action in September.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman is also considering aid, but through the Commodity Credit Corporation. He says the other solutions will take too long. This comes after hundreds of farmers in his home state of Arkansas met with lawmakers to ask for help.

Market Facilitation Program 2.0?
The trigger is historically low grain prices, combined with tariffs of up to 23% on U.S. soybeans, keeping China out of the export market.

Steve Censky, chief executive officer of the American Soybean Association, says unless China buys soybeans soon, they may be looking at aid similar to the Market Facilitation Program used back in 2018-19 during the last trade war.

“I think unless we can get things turned around with China, we’re going to be in that position again,” Censky says.

Farmers in the Dakotas and Minnesota are already seeing $8 soybeans with no China business.

But whether MFP is warranted is tied to the timing of a possible China deal, according to Frayne Olson, crop economist and marketing specialist with North Dakota State University.

“Even if harvest is already started — if we can get the wheels moving — it will be a lot better than what we saw in 2019. So, I think it’s a little bit early to be talking about MFP payments,” Olson says.

ASA Holding Out for China Deal
And the American Soybean Association echoes that position.

Censky says: “We have not been publicly calling for another MFP-type program. Our priority has been to get a deal with China on soybeans — because having that market is what soybean farmers want.”

In fact, Censky says MFP payments are just a Band-Aid to help farmers survive for another year.

“No farmer wants to be dependent on getting his or her income from the government or from the mailbox rather than from the marketplace.”

Farm Aid Has Unintended Consequences
Plus, the payments have had — and will have — unintended consequences. Censky says, longer term, any form of government assistance gets capitalized into land rents and land values. That has consequences for farmers as well.

The tariff on U.S. soybeans going into China also incentivizes Brazil to increase acreage more quickly, according to Censky.

“That expanded production will be here to haunt, basically, U.S. soybean farmers for years to come — not only in the China market, but in other markets around the world,” Censky says.

Need for Farm Aid Greater Than in 2018
Still, both House and Senate Ag Committee chairs agree farm aid is needed.

Boozman is looking at the CCC rather than tariff revenue, saying it’s more immediate. Censky agrees there’s more urgency than in 2018.

“I think it’s more serious today. That’s because prices were higher back in 2018 and 2019,” he says. “Farmers were starting out from a better position. Not only did you have prices higher, but your inputs were not as expensive.”

Farmers may not be able to withstand the pain of a trade war like they did back then.

Fusing The Best of Regenerative Ag and Smart Farming: Senator Marshall’s Take on MAHA

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:22:11 GMT

Having grown up as a Kansas fifth generation farm kid and spending many years as a physician, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., views the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda through a different lens than many of his Beltway colleagues.

“I delivered a baby every day for some 25 years in my hometown,” Marshall says. “And certainly, diet and nutrition are so, so, so important. When I came to Congress, this was one of the things I wanted to address. And I want to start by saying there’s no MAHA without American agriculture leadership.”

RELATED: MAHA Report’s Surprising Stance on Glyphosate, Atrazine Explained

While much of the recent reporting around MAHA focuses on unpacking the movement’s outwardly anti-pesticide bent , Marshall has fashioned his own, more conventional ag-friendly version covering four distinct pillars:

Increase American agricultural efficiency
Grow healthier, nutrient rich food
Unlock affordable health care access for millions of Americans
Focus on health care resources to combat the mental health epidemic

“I believe soil health leads to healthy food, which leads to healthy people,” Marshall says. “I hear the MAHA group and I hear the ag folks. I have a foot in each of those worlds, and I am trying to bring them together. Because guess what? American agriculture wants healthy children just as much as anybody.”

RELATED: Decode MAHA’s Potential Effect on the Agriculture Sector

Marshall believes MAHA can achieve that goal by embracing some – but not all – of the regenerative ag principles Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., espoused on the campaign trail. American farmers are already reducing chemical use with tools like selective spraying systems and mechanical weeding implements, but the senator knows there’s still meat on that bone. He views it less as a return to “40 acres and a mule” and more as a combination of pieces and parts from the regenerative ag playbook with precision ag technology generously sprinkled into the mix.

“Regenerative ag should be centered around precision ag and growing more with less,” he says. “We’re already using 60% less fertilizers and less pesticides. I think we must continue to decrease the amount of fertilizers and pesticides, so there’s less residue on that loaf of bread in the grocery store.”

Marshall is currently rallying Congressional support for the bipartisan Plant Biostimulant Act. This yet-to-be-ratified farm policy would streamline the FDA approval process under FIFRA for new, novel and natural modes of action. But the senator emphasizes the program must remain voluntary.

“About 5% of the farm bill is conservation practices,” he says. “So, I would streamline the FDA process and allow these biostimulants to be one of the options. It’s not a subsidy, though. I just want to make the regulatory process easier. And that’s going to make it more affordable, as well.”

More MAHA: 250-Plus Ag Groups Ask Trump Administration To ‘Correct’ MAHA Commission’s ‘Activities’

Another goal is for the American producer to embrace best-in-class crop production and sustainability practices. The Kansas senator points to one example from his home state as the creative and nimble thinking he wants to see American farmers embrace.

“We have a group of sorghum growers that have their own mill,” Marshall says. “And they’re selling that flour directly to the infant formula (companies) as well as to European markets. The EU has higher standards, so to speak, than America does, and so be it. I don’t know if they’re necessary, but I don’t make the rules. These Kansas farmers have cracked the code and they’re getting a premium for their sorghum right now, and all it takes is a little extra effort.”

Your Next Read: Can Pulse Crops Double Acreage by 2030? The Push to Include More Pulses in the MAHA Movement

The Scoop Podcast: Direct From D.C., An Update With The ARA Policy Team

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:25:15 GMT

ARA’s policy team of Hunter Carpenter and Richard Gupton discuss the impact of the recent reconciliation package on agriculture, a “skinny Farm Bill,” dead in the water California regulations, and what to expect before the August recess.

Highlighting extended tax cuts, enhanced crop insurance, and conservation program modifications, Carpenter says the One Big Beautiful Bill was a win for agriculture.

“ARA has been working on this since Trump was inaugurated back in January and the new Congress was sworn in, and we’re very pleased with the final product,” he says. “When we look back at some of the policy papers we took to Capitol Hill when we had our fly-in in March, I’m pleased to say that a lot of our top policy priorities were included in this piece of legislation.”

As highlights he mentions tax cuts including:

permanently extending the 20% section 199 A pass through deduction
enhancing section 179 expenses
restoring bonus depreciation to 100% making that permnanent.
Elevated estate tax exemptions
Extension of the 45Z fuel production tax credit

Regarding the Farm Bill, we’re already two years late on a five year Farm Bill. The last one passed in 2018.

“A lot of the Farm Bill provisions were included [in the OBBB], especially on the crop insurance and reference price side,” he says. “tTere are other things that are that remain on our farm bill policy priority list that were not addressed. Many of those don’t have anything to do with congressional appropriations or funding that hopefully will be addressed in some sort of skinny farm bill that, maybe, Congress will work to pass late this year maybe into next year.”

Carpenter highlights four pillars of the recently announced Farm Security Action Plan.

Cybersecurity
Biosecurity and ermgecny preparedness
Supply chain hardening
Partnership and information sharing

“You always pray for the best, prepare for the worst,” he says. “The administration is treating ag retail and our ag industry not just a peripheral player, but as a critical front line partner in National Farm Security. That’s good news. It also means we’ll have to step up on our side.”

Gupton then gave updates on several transportation and labor related regulations.
Of the California EV mandate, he says it “should be dead. California has sued over this issue, and Governor Newsom has also tripled down and asked for the California Air Resources Board to come back again and issue some additional regulations. We think, knock on wood, it is dead in its tracks.”

Addressing the DOT’s withdrawal of Speed Limiter Proposal, Gupton says this is a policy victory for ag retailers.

“We think our speed limits should be left up to the states and localities because they best know the conditions of the roads of their local communities and what’s the safe speed to for those commercial vehicles to operate at,” he says.

And lastly, Gupton says they are continuing to work with FMCSA on the seasonal ag CDL program to allow for trailering of implements and trailers as well as online renewals for driver’s in good standing with clean records.

Other fronts the ARA team is engaging in include:

MAHA
Gupton says ARA has been to ag stakeholder meetings with the administration about the MAHA movement and its report and forthcoming policy recommendations. He has two takeaways.

First, he thinks the stakeholder meetings are genuine engagement with the industry.
Second, he has heard officials reiterate they do not want to move away from the U.S. standards used by the EPA which are risk-based to something more similar to Europe which are hazard-based.

Further Administration Priorities
Carpenter says in addition to MAHA, he’s watching three two: the Farm Security Action Plan and trade policy and the delayed ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.

Government Funding
Gupton highlights the upcoming deadline of expiring appropriation bills in September. As such, he says lawmakers will be busy over the August recess figuring out how to pass or extend funding bills.

Is This The Starting Point for A New Farm Bill?

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:44:33 GMT

From conversations in the legislative halls of Washington, D.C., to farmer fields across rural America, much of the talk in agricultural circles for months has revolved around H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB),

Now, the massive piece of legislation, signed by President Trump on the Fourth of July, is being hailed by some as farm bill 1.0.

That positioning caught the attention of farmers participating in the AgriTalk Farmer Forum on Wednesday, who shared their perspective. Listen to it here:

Hazelton, N.D., farmer Mike Appert said he values the improvement farmers will potentially see from an estate tax standpoint, as well as the changes made to Section 179 IRS tax code for machinery.

“The Section 179 bonus depreciation is so important on these farming operations,” Appert said. “If you’re going to keep buying machinery and trading in your old equipment, you know, we just needed that.”

Paul Neiffer, the Farm CPA and a Top Producer columnist, noted that farmers can now take advantage of 100% bonus depreciation for assets placed in service after Jan. 19, 2025, and Section 179 has been bumped to $2.5 million for 2025.

Neiffer adds that he would rate the OBBB as a B+ for most farmers. He provides an outline of some of the key details farmers need to know in his most recent column, available here .

More Risk Management Resources

“You know, really and truly, I like what I see in this legislative package because, especially for future years, this is a significant amount of money being addressed. I really like the risk management portion,” said Garry Niemeyer, an Illinois farmer and past president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

Niemeyer is particularly pleased to see increased support for the USDA Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, which he and many other farmers believe are crucial for expanding exports and market opportunities.

“Since my early days participating in Illinois Corn Growers, back in 1995, we had been requesting more funds for these two programs. And finally, 30 years later, it happened,” Niemeyer said.

Specifically, MAP annual funding would go from the current $200 million approved to $400 million annually, while FMD would go from $34.5 million to $69 million annually.

Sen. John Boozman, said what he heard from farmers leading up to passage of the OBBB, was how important trade programs are to farmers’ economic survival and their hopes for future prosperity.

“We were able to essentially double the amount of money that we spend on trade programs,” said Boozman, (R-AR), chair of the Senate Ag Committee, on Wednesday.

Boozman also highlighted the urgent need for safety net provisions for farmers, due to rising economic stress across the nation.

“It’s just such a difficult situation,” noted Boozman, highlighting what’s happening in his home state alone. “I read an article today about bankruptcies in Arkansas, how they’re up 67% over last year, and last year was a bad year.”

Looking ahead, Boozman says he plans to visit farmers on both sides of the political aisle this summer and into the fall to gather input for developing a new farm bill.

“We’ll be talking about the farm bill and what else we need to get done,” he said. “It is difficult in farm country right now, and we need to support farmers in any way we can.”

Catch Boozman’s wide-ranging discussion with AgriTalk Host Chip Flory, available here.

Your next read: Big Beautiful Bill: What Farmers Need to Know

The One Big Beautiful Bill Will Boost 2025 PLC Payments: Here's a Per-Acre Breakdown

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:14:39 GMT

Both the Senate and House GOP worked around the clock to get President Donald Trump’s massive tax bill passed this week. The One Big Beautiful Bill, which was more than 800 pages long, barely passed in both the Senate and the House, but is receiving high praise from many agricultural groups who argue the bill is a win for agriculture.

On Thursday, House GOP leaders overcame objections from even Republican lawmakers on provisions for SNAP, Medicaid and rural hospitals. All but two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., voted for the bill, which passed 218 to 214.

.@SpeakerJohnson officially signs the One Big Beautiful Bill— sending it to @POTUS' desk to be signed into law.

Tax cuts, border security, energy dominance, and so much more are coming your way. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/elzAg7s4LP
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 3, 2025

But for agriculture, tax provisions received high praise, including avoiding a year-end tax hike and eliminating the so-called death tax.

“America’s cattle farmers and ranchers are pleased by the final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. This legislation will protect family farmers and ranchers from the devastation of the Death Tax, it will avoid a massive year-end tax hike that could have put cattle operations out of business, it expands and protects many of the small business tax deductions that family producers rely on to save more of the hard-earned money, and it funds critical foreign animal disease prevention measures that protect cattle health,” says Ethan Lane, senior vice president of government affairs, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

The bill also provides $66 billion in new spending for farm programs. According to Agri-Pulse , that’s the largest infusion of new money into farm programs since 2002.

These are changes and enhancements many ag groups were pushing for in the next farm bill.

According to Farm CPA Paul Neiffer , a provision in the bill will pay the greater of ARC or PLC for the 2025 crop.

“Therefore, any anticipate increase in PLC payments would likely be the minimum amount paid to farmers for 2025 but remember none of these payments will begin until October 2026,” Neiffer explained in this in-depth analysis . “There will be a payment limit of $155,000 on ARC and PLC, but LLCs and S corporations will be treated the same as a general partnership.”

Based on Neiffer’s calculations, here’s how it will impact PLC. On average, it will add:

Corn: $22.52 per acre
Soybeans: $42.46 per acre
Wheat: $32.77 per acre
Sorghum: $9.90 per acre
Cotton: $93.05 per acre

Neiffer says while everyone’s PLC yield is different, he simply used an average yield to calculate these figures.

Potential extra PLC per acre payments. Click to enlarge.

(Paul Neiffer )

“You will note that based on June MYA prices, projected PLC payments are estimated at about $2.6 billion. Now, under the old law, all of the ARC acres elected would be removed from this table, however, remember that the new law pays the farmer of the higher of ARC or PLC so the first projected column shows what the minimum payment essentially would be,” Neiffer explains.

You can read Neiffer’s full and in-depth analysis here .

President and CEO of National Cotton Council (NCC) Gary Adams says this bill provides additional support desperately needed this year.

“The 2025 crop is going to be or shaping up to be the third year in a row that farmers will see both the market prices and the support levels below cost of production,” Adams says. “One of the reasons why this bill is so important is that for the reference price that applies to the PLC and ARC programs, those higher reference prices that are in this legislation apply to this year’s crop, and that is important because it will help if prices stay low, and stay where they are. This will put some additional support, in the grower’s pocket for the crop that they’re going to harvest this fall.”

American Farm Bureau applauded the work by Congress this week, saying, “More than half of farmers are losing money, so an increase in reference prices is desperately needed, and tax tools will help farmers and ranchers plan for the next season and the next generation.”

The bill now heads to Trump’s desk, which he plans to sign Friday at the White House.

250-Plus Ag Groups Ask Trump Administration To ‘Correct’ MAHA Commission’s ‘Activities’

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:01:22 GMT

Four weeks have passed since the Make Our Children Healthy Again: Assessment (MAHA report) was released. Since that time, the report has drawn criticism from farmers and various state and national agricultural groups that are focused on crop and livestock production.

One overarching concern the various groups and farmers cite, is what actions and practices will the MAHA Commission recommend in their follow-up report, which is due for release by Aug. 12, 2025.

Ag Groups Ask For A Course Correction

Concern about the MAHA report led 250-plus agriculture groups to ask the Trump administration to “correct” the direction of its Make America Healthy Again goals, in a letter dated June 13. The letter was addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.’

Groups signing the letter included: American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

In the letter, the groups criticized the MAHA Commission’s “lack of transparency” in creating the report, adding it also did not allow any opportunity for public engagement.

“As a result, the report contained numerous errors and distortions that have created unfounded fears about the safety of our food supply,” the letter says. “Your leadership is greatly needed to correct the Commission’s activities, as well as create processes for greater transparency and input.”

In an article published by NOTUS, a digital news outlet, reporters noted the MAHA report contained a number of citation errors and “false claims” that could have been avoided with better industry input ahead of the commission’s report release.

Farmers Say ‘Use Some Common Sense’

The MAHA report, with regard to the use of crop protection products, specifically calls out atrazine, chlorpyrifos and glyphosate.

Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, executive director of Modern Ag Alliance, says the commission’s decision to call out specific chemistries, while no surprise, is concerning nonetheless.

“I think that’s something that every farmer, regardless of what part of agriculture you’re involved in, should be concerned about,” she told AgriTalk Host Chip Flory on Thursday.

Albert Lea, Minn., farmer, Brad Nelson, says he is concerned about the future of crop protection products but hopes “common sense” will prevail. He describes the finger-pointing at glyphosate, in particular, as bogus.

“We have used Roundup in the Midwest, myself personally, for 40-some years, and the retailers around me have done the same. And you know what, there’s no cancer,” Nelson says. “If it was a problem, it would be rampant. Hopefully common sense will rule the day, and the studies that have gone on for years and years and years will finally get believed.”

Burns-Thompson says she wonders whether the people involved in developing the MAHA report action plan understand how the chemistries in question have helped modernize farming practices – in some cases even helping reduce farmers’ reliance on pesticides and contributing to conservation farming efforts.

Her recommendation to other farmers at this point: talk with your local, state and federal government officials. Educate them on how the targeted chemistries support food production and consumers’ well-being.

“It’s important that we are reaching out to these individuals all the way up and down the political hierarchy, and inviting them out to our farms, talking to them about why we do things, and making it very practical, so that they understand not only the what, but the why and the how,” she says.

Where To From Here?

The 250 ag groups, in the June 13 letter to Kennedy, Rollins and Zeldin, have asked the Commission to hold a public comment period for all of its future reports and activities.

“… We urge the administration to formally include farmers, ranchers, and food producers in a collaborative stakeholder process throughout all future work of the Commission. We also advise the administration to create the opportunity for public comment on all future reports and activities of the Commission.”

For her part, Burns-Thompson wants more farmers at the table, able to share their perspective on what kind of practices the action plan should detail.

“What’s the voice of the farmer in all this? It needs to be part of this, right? It’s one thing to have the Department of Agriculture at the table, but I think there’s no such thing as too many farmer voices,” she says.

Catch the AgriTalk discussion with Burns-Thompson here:

Your next read: Is Food Inflation Heating Up July 4th Grills?

EPA’s Proposed Rule A Potential ‘Game Changer’ for Farmers

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 21:32:27 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2026 and 2027 have the potential to be a game changer for agriculture.

The EPA’s proposed rule, which comes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – and named the Set 2 Rule – would increase biomass-based diesel requirements, from 3.35 billion gallons in 2025 to 5.61 billion gallons in 2026, supporting American row-crop growers in the process.

“It creates a great opportunity to move from 3.35 to 5.61; it’s a massive increase,” says Caleb Ragland, a Kentucky farmer and president of the American Soybean Association (ASA).

“We have long lobbied for giving the American farmer a chance to sell American soybeans. Crush them here, use the oil to make American fuel and keep our economy going, ” Ragland told AgriTalk host Michelle Rook, on Wednesday.

Three Regulatory Takeaways

There are at least three key regulatory shifts that would accompany the volume increases:

1. Heightened quotas for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel (BBD), and advanced biofuels.

2. Prioritization of soybean oil and ethanol produced in the U.S. Imported biofuels would earn just 50% of the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) value compared to U.S.-based fuels.

3. Removal of renewable electricity (eRINs) as a qualifying fuel, reinforcing liquid biofuels as the Renewable Fuel Standard centerpiece.

In a press release, EPA said that these measures will cut U.S. oil import reliance by roughly 150,000 barrels per day across 2026 and 2027, backing domestic biofuel producers and strengthening rural economies.

“This [proposed rule by EPA] is not only good for farms, it’s good for rural communities. All of that trickles down and stays here in America. It’s a wonderful thing,” Ragland says.

An Update And Outlook On 45Z

The 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit was one of the few Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives spared in the House’s proposed budget reconciliation bill. That’s likewise the case in the Senate. Both versions extend 45Z from 2027 to 2031.

“That’s a huge win … that certainly gives us a little bit of certainty in the world of uncertainty we’re living in right now,” Amy France, a Kansas farmer and chair of the National Sorghum Producers, said on AgriTalk.

Ragland agrees but noted ASA is concerned about some “last-minute” changes that are being proposed in the Senate version regarding the 45Z tax credit and foreign feedstocks.

While the House version modifies 45Z to prevent the use of certain foreign feedstocks outside of North America, such as used cooking oil, the Senate committee’s proposal allows use of feedstocks outside the U.S. but cuts the tax credit by 20%.

“We want to encourage that to get reversed … there’s no reason to give American dollars as tax credits to foreign entities that are bringing in foreign used cooking oil,” Ragland says. “We need to get that ironed out, and hopefully we will, but, but overall, there’s great opportunity here.”

France says she is encouraged by the extension granted 45Z. “We were thrilled to hear EPA specifically calling out sorghum as a dependable, low-cost biofuel feedstock. It just goes to show that recognition for sorghum and the realm we’re playing in today.”

Ragland and France weigh in on a variety of additional topics – from trade to state of current crops across the country to the need for a new Farm Bill – on this segment of AgriTalk. Listen to it here:

What's Missing in the Big Beautiful Bill When It Comes to Agriculture?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:22:26 GMT

The fate of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is with the Senate. The 1,000-page bill includes nearly $4.9 trillion in tax breaks and budget cuts, and is also packed with priorities that cover agriculture . That includes one provision that will allow community banks to pass along lower interest rates to ag producers. However, not all of agriculture’s wants are in the bill.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) recently dug into the details of the massive bill being debated in Washington. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would increase spending for agriculture-facing programs by $56.6 billion over the next decade. Of that increase, $52.3 billion is for enhancements to the current farm safety net, including higher reference prices for ARC and PLC, and $4.3 billion is for trade promotion, livestock biosecurity, research and rural school funding.

According to AFBF, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act would increase agriculture-facing programs spending by $56.6 billion over the next decade (fiscal years 2025–2034).

(American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) )

According to AFBF, here’s what the current version of the bill includes for farm bill provisions (Title 1, Subtitle B-Investment in Rural America):

Updates and funding for many core agriculture titles through 2031.
Enhancements to safety nets including ARC, PLC and Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) through the 2031 crop year.
Increases to reference prices for major covered commodities between 11% to 21% under the farm bill provisions of the bill.
Addition of a reference price escalator mechanism beginning in the 2031 crop year, which AFBF says would increase reference prices by 0.5% annually on a compounded basis. That increase is capped at 115% of the original statuary value.
Permits for farmers to add up to 30 million new base acres
Updates to ARC by adjusting revenue guarantee and the payment cap beginning in 2025. That would increase the coverage threshold to 90% of benchmark revenue, and increase the payment cap of 10% to 12.5%.
Enhancements to the DMC program and an increase of Tier 1 coverage eligibility from 5 million pounds to 6 million pounds per farm.

Proposed changes to the safety net

(AFBF)

Changes to Conservation Programs
AFBF’s analysis of the reconciliation bill shows long-term funding authority for USDA’s major conservation programs will continue through 2031. That includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

The levels are higher than what was included in the 2018 farm bill, but align with funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), making these programs permanent baseline versus new program expansions.

AFBF says the bill doesn’t retain all IRA-funded initiatives.

“For example, it rescinds $450 million in unobligated IRA funds that had been allocated for competitive forestry grants to non-federal landowners. According to the Congressional Budget Office, these adjustments collectively result in a net reduction of $1.8 billion in conservation spending over the next decade,” said the AFBF analysis. “The bill also renews smaller initiatives that were not funded in the last farm bill extension. This includes the Grassroots Source Water Protection program, which safeguards well water, and the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive program, which rewards farmers for opening land to hunting and recreation. In addition, the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, a vital initiative to combat over $1.6 billion in annual damages caused by invasive wild pigs, is extended with new funding through 2031.”

Focus on Trade
Another important element included in the House version of the Big Beautiful Bill includes establishing a new Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation Program, which would be similar to Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD), while also providing $285 million annually in permanent, mandatory funding through a separate account.

“Because the bill does not modify or replace MAP or FMD, which are typically funded at $200 million and $34.5 million per year, respectively, the new program effectively doubles USDA’s total trade promotion capacity,” said AFBF’s analysis.

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) CEO Bryan Humphreys says the trade portion of the bill, as well as the tax provisions, are a “win” for livestock producers.

“We’re very pleased with what came out of the House version. We included in there were animal health priorities, some additional funding for MAP and FMD to promote our product internationally, and then, of course, the tax package was included in there on things like 179, bonus depreciation and estate taxes,” he says. “We are very pleased those were in there even if some of our other assets we need to be in the farm bill weren’t able to make it in there.”

Humphreys says the House version of the reconciliation bill includes funding for animal health priorities, including $233 million per year on animal disease prevention and response.

What’s Not in the Bill?
According to Humphreys, there’s one major priority that didn’t make it into the Big Beautiful Bill — and that’s provisions for Prop 12.

“We still need a farm bill to address Proposition 12 in California. At the end of the day, this is an issue that, as California continues to regulate outside of their borders, is not just a pork industry issue. It is an American agriculture issue,” he says. “We’ve been asking — along with the American Farm Bureau, Corn, Soy and others — for Congress to address this issue of California regulating farmers outside of their borders. And we still need that to be addressed.”

Humphreys says a farm bill is still needed to address Proposition 12 in California. But if a farm bill doesn’t happen this year, Humphreys says NPPC is exploring other options to do it.

“Even though there are other solutions for Proposition 12 and other potential vehicles out there that we’ll continue to explore with our friends on the Hill, at the end of the day, we still believe as American pork producers that America and the pork industry need a farm bill — a skinny version, a large version or whatever. We need to maintain that coalition not just for now, but for decades to come as well. We’re not ready to give up on that yet,” Humphreys says.

Renewable Energy In The Bill
Energy programs are another area of focus under the reconciliation bill. According to AFBF, USDA’s farm energy and biofuel programs are reauthorized through 2031 to spur renewable energy innovation in rural America. That would include the Biobased Markets Program, which is a program that promotes biobased products through federal procurement. It also addresses the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, which provides payments to producers of biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other next-generation fuels.

Tax Provisions That Would Benefit Ag

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer calls the tax provisions within the House version of the bill “very favorable for agriculture,” rating them a 8 or 9 out of 10. Here’s why:

As of Jan. 20, farmers will have 100% bonus depreciation for the next four years
The Section 199A deduction that was at the 20% level will now be bumped up to the 23% level.
Cooperative deductions will still be included
Starting next year, Section 179 will increase to $2.5 million, up from $1 million
An increase in the gift tax exemption amounts to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, adjusted for inflation annually.

Neiffer say farmers who’ve built net worth through land or other assets, there’s a piece of the legislation that will also benefit them.

“The lifetime exemption starting next year will be $15 million, and it’s made permanent,” Neiffer says.

Lower Interest Rates for Ag Producers?

According to Jeff T. Kanger, president of First State Bank in Lincoln, Nebraska, there’s another provision that will allow community banks to pass along lower interest rates to ag producers and rural housing.

“The community banks have less tax exposure and can therefore pass along some interest savings to customers,” Kanger told AgWeb. “This provision is very important to a lot of our growers.”

It’s called the “Exclusion of interest on loans secured by rural or agricultural real property.” According to the provision text, it “allows for a partial exclusion of interest on certain loans secured by rural or agricultural real estate. Speciﬁcally, it allows for the exclusion of 25 percent of interest received by a qualiﬁed lender on any qualiﬁed real estate loan.”

What’s Next?
The Senate could roll out its version of bill later this week, which is expected to include changes from the House’s version that passed in May by one vote.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also said this week he still believes July 4 is a realistic target for passing President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill.”

Big, Beautiful Bill: What's in it for Agriculture?

Fri, 16 May 2025 03:53:48 GMT

House Republicans are holding hearings this week about President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” The bill could benefit agriculture, including positive tax provisions for farmers, an extension for 45Z and an increase in farm bill reference prices. However, potential changes to SNAP and putting more of the burden on states are also raising concerns.

Pieces of the overall bill passed both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee this week. Committee markup is the first test the provisions had to pass. The provisions from each committee will then be inserted into the overall bill.

The House Ways and Means Committee’s portion includes making 2017 tax cuts permanent, eliminating the estate tax and reducing taxes on interest income for agricultural loans.

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer calls the tax provisions very favorable for agriculture, rating them a 8 or 9 out of 10. Here’s why:

As of Jan. 20, farmers will have 100% bonus depreciation for the next four years
The Section 199A deduction that was at the 20% level will now be bumped up to the 23% level.
Cooperative deductions will still be included
Starting next year, Section 179 will increase to $2.5 million, up from $1 million
An increase in the gift tax exemption amounts to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, adjusted for inflation annually.

Neiffer say farmers who’ve built net worth through land or other assets, there’s a piece of the legislation that will also benefit them.

“The lifetime exemption starting next year will be $15 million, and it’s made permanent,” Neiffer says.

The draft legislation also includes an extension of 45z tax credit. Established by the Inflation Reduction Act that was passed in 2022, it provides a tax credit for the production and sale of low-emission transformation fuels.

Increase in Reference Prices

On Wednesday night, the House Agriculture Committee passed its portion of the budget reconciliation package, but not without debate around farmer interests versus food stamps.

According to the House Ag Committee, the provisions increase Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference prices to levels proposed last year. Those include:

$4.10 per bushel for corn
$10 for soybeans
$6.35 for wheat

“Essentially, they took the proposal from last year and are going to stick it in this bill,” Neiffer says. “We’re going to have about a 10%-to-20% increase. Since it was effective immediately, I thought it might apply to the ’24 crop, but Jim Wiesemeyer reached out to let me know it’s likely going to apply for ’25. The problem I have with that, they were talking about immediate help for farmers, which if they’re applied to ’24, they’d be getting the help in October ’25. Now, if it’s applied to ’25, their help isn’t going to be until October ’26, at the earliest.”

In the proposal, farmers would also see payment limits increase from $125,000 per individual or entity to $155,000, starting with the current 2025 crop year.

Those in favor of the increase in reference prices on the House Ag Committee argue this is a vital lifeline for farmers at a time of great financial need.

“Since 2019, SNAP costs have skyrocketed from $60 billion to $110 billion annually, an 83% increase, while enrollment has grown from 36 million to 42 million,” said House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA).

“The truth is our current farm safety net hasn’t kept up — it’s outdated and often it doesn’t even get triggered when prices drop,” says Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa. “This is an investment that will provide predictability when prices fall and another provision to keep our crop insurance programs strong and intact.”

The Fight in the House Ag Committee Over SNAP

That includes a projected $290 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next decade.

The plan also removes $290 billion from the program, redirecting some of that money to farmers by expanding support for commodities and crop insurance.

But Democrats on the committee spoke out against the cuts to SNAP benefits calling them a non-starter.

“The average SNAP benefit is about $6 per day. Let me say that again, $6 a day. You don’t build a life on SNAP. You build a bridge to the next paycheck,” says Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn. “The cuts you are proposing to SNAP would be the largest rollback of an anti-hunger program in our nation’s history.”

Both the Committee’s portion of the legislation will also be rolled together into the bigger reconciliation package and must be reconciled with the Senate bill.

While it’s a long road until the complete bill is passed in Congress, Trump has said he wants this passed and plans to sign it on July 4.

Ag Groups React

The majority of ag groups support the tax provisions, saying this will be beneficial to farmers.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) says the tax package must be approved by the House of Representatives as part of the reconciliation process.

“The Death Tax is a death warrant for family businesses and the top threat to family-owned cattle operations. NCBA has been working with members on and off the Ways and Means Committee for months to educate them about the needs of cattle producers and advocate for the tax provisions that are the most effective for cattle operations,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “This work would not have been possible without the broad participation we had in NCBA’s tax survey from producers, who detailed the struggles they have had with paying the Death Tax and what they would like to see in a broader tax package. This is a huge victory for grassroots advocacy and everyone that made their voice heard—from the producers that have not paid the Death Tax yet—to those that have paid it multiple times to avoid losing their livelihoods.”

Associations representing row crop farmers applaud the House Ag Committee’s push to adjust reference prices.

“We appreciate Chairman Thompson’s efforts to include key agricultural investments in must-pass legislation,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr.

However, the cuts to SNAP are a concern for others. The National Young Farmers Coalition, a group who says its vision is to create a future where farming is “free of racial violence, accessible to communities, oriented towards environmental well-being, and concerned with health over profit,” is against the proposed cuts.

“This budget proposal is a betrayal of the values that sustain our food system. These are not the investments young farmers need,” said Erin Foster West, Policy Campaigns Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition . “Instead of passing a bipartisan Farm Bill that builds resilience for farmers and families alike, this bill fast-tracks harmful cuts to nutrition programs that serve as both a safety net for families and a revenue stream for farmers. It trades long-term food security for short-term austerity.”

59% of Ag Economists Think Congress Won’t Pass a New Farm Bill Until 2026

Thu, 08 May 2025 22:29:32 GMT

It’s a contentious battle continuing to play out in Congress. Two years overdue, Congress still hasn’t passed a new farm bill, and as the calendar approaches the half-way point of 2025, optimism of passing a farm bill this year is waning.

The April Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor found most agricultural economists think it could be 2026 before we see Congress finally pass a new bill. One reason why, according to agricultural economists, is the fact Congress passed $10 billion in financial relief payments late last year.

The April Monthly Monitor asked the nearly 70 ag economists surveyed each month when they think Congress will pass a new farm bill:

59% said 2026
24% think it won’t happen until 2027
18% said the second half of 2025.

April Ag Economists’ Monthly Montior

(Lindsey Pound)

None of the economists think Congress will pass a new farm bill in the first half of 2025. The survey also asked economists, “Does the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) program make it more difficult for Congress to pass a new farm bill this year?

62% said yes
38% responded no.

Most major agricultural groups argue that the current farm bill is outdated. Passed in 2018, it was designed to cover five years. Congress has passed an extension for two straight years that’s helped agriculture limp along, but another extension might not suffice in addressing the current financial pain being felt on the farm, especially for cotton and rice farmers.

Other Hurdles for Passing a Farm Bill in 2025

Even with the GOP in control of the House and Senate, it’s no secret one of the main obstacles in passing a new farm bill, or any bill in Washington, is the budget.

The April Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor asked economists what are the biggest hurdles in passing a new farm bill, the top response was budget. But economists also say Congress is racing against a calendar, and deeper cuts to SNAP could end up hurting agriculture priorities in the end. One economist even argued ARC and PLC just aren’t effective programs.

“The farm bill just isn’t as important to the administration as is getting their policy agenda through Congress,” said one economist.
“The budget. If farm legislation is approved in 2025, it will likely be part of the budget reconciliation bill and passed without Democratic support, meaning increased support for farmers is provided by deeper cuts in SNAP. Only if that effort collapses is there any real possibility of a bipartisan farm bill,” said another economist in the anonymous survey.
“In general, Congress has difficulty passing any legislation. This is very detrimental to the long-run health of U.S. agriculture and the U.S. economy. We simply have to address entitlements and deficit spending in the next few years.”
“If the new farm bill has to have no new spending similar to the 2018 farm bill, then which title wins and which title loses is the biggest fight,” an economist said in the April survey.
“They have to be working on a bill first. Currently, I do not think a bill is even in the works,” said another economist.
“Pushing back on SNAP,” stated an economist.

Bottom line: The likelihood of passing a farm bill this year is low. Both the Senate and House Committees say it’s a top priority and are working behind the scenes to get a farm bill passed this year, but similar bottlenecks remain, which are a lack of additional funding and a polarized Congress. Debates were heated this week, and the blame game continues. Until Congress can find a way to compromise on Title I and SNAP, the stalemate could continue.

Concerns About a Recession in Agriculture

The farm economy doesn’t seem to be improving. The latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows agricultural economists are also growing more pessimistic about the ag economy. The April survey found 72% of ag economists say the row crop side of agriculture is in a recession, up from 62% last month. Eighty-two percent of economists also think this could force more consolidation in agriculture.

Farmers Back U.S. Efforts To Rebalance Trade With China Despite Economic Hardship

Wed, 07 May 2025 21:34:47 GMT

Willing to endure short-term pain for long-term gain might best describe U.S. farmers’ current sentiment regarding ongoing trade and tariff troubles with China and other countries.

Bill Flory, who grows wheat in northern Idaho near Lewiston, said he likes how the U.S. is handling current negotiations with its trade partners, especially China. Officials from the two countries are set for talk trades this weekend in Switzerland.

“I’ll just say that the Trump administration is doing some excellent, excellent heavy lifting, a lot of tough negotiations that will have direct and indirect impacts on production ag,” Flory said on Wednesday.

A similar sentiment appears to be shared on a broad scale by U.S. farmers, according to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, which was released Tuesday.

The Barometer, a nationwide measure of the health of the U.S. agricultural economy, showed improved farmer outlook in April, climbing 8 points to a reading of 148. This was driven by farmers’ optimism, despite their ongoing concerns about the impact of trade wars and tariffs, reported Jim Mintert, emeritus professor of economics at Purdue University.

“The improvement in farmer sentiment came as a bit of a surprise to us,” Mintert said.

As he dug deeper into the survey results, he was able to identify how farmers were thinking about their finances in the present as well as the future.

“When farmers were asked about what tariffs might mean for their finances in 2025, over half (56%) said they believe there’s a good chance that tariffs will reduce farm income in 2025,” Mintert reported.

“But when we came back and asked them how they feel about tariffs’ impact on the ag economy from a long-term perspective, 70% said they think tariffs will be beneficial long-term to U.S. agriculture,” he added.

Farmers Want Trade To Pay Their Way
Illinois farmer Chad Leman said he is glad to see trade “back in the conversation” at the national level. “We haven’t had any trade talks for the last number of years, and now we’re talking trade again,” said Leman, a third-generation farmer raising corn, soybeans and hogs near Eureka, Ill. “As always with this administration there’s a lot of noise, and you have to try and figure out where it’s headed. But it also brings some volatility to these markets, which, if we play that correctly, can be beneficial to us.”

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has promised to have a plan, such as the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), ready for farmers, if needed. In 2019, MFP provided direct payments to producers impacted by retaliatory tariffs that resulted in the loss of traditional exports.

“Everything is on the table right now. Everything. I know that President Trump, whom I speak with regularly, realizes the state of the farm economy in this country,” Rollins told Farm Journal earlier this year.

Market Facility Program Outlook
Both Leman and Flory expressed their dislike for Market Facility Programs and other financial relief-type payments to farmers.

I’m probably swimming upstream a little here, but I really hate to hear talk about another MFP,” Leman said. “I really wish we could get through this without a subsidy of some sort. I wish [the U.S. government] would focus more on the commodity credit loans or something. I mean, we’re looking at 7% borrowing interest on operating right now. And if they would look more at low interest money to get farmers through, I think that would be a win-win for farmers, and it sure looks better from a public perception standpoint,” he added.

The Ag Economy Barometer reported that more farmers believe an MFP could be on the way. “Eighty percent of farmers surveyed say they think an MFP is likely, if [trade talks] cause lower prices for ag products,” Mintert said.

“It’s the market, not a subsidy that we want to put the priority on,” Flory emphasized, recalling the Trump administration’s negotiations with China during his first term.

“The first Trump administration had a large trade deal with China, though China did not fully uphold their quantities and the terms,” Flory said. “But talks with China are extremely important, because they have been such a large [buyer of U.S. commodities], and South America is taking advantage of that.”

Given the ongoing financial upheaval in commodity markets and other economic uncertainty for agriculture, Mintert said the Ag Economy Barometer picked up on increased farmer interest in getting a farm bill passed in 2025.

“For a while there we didn’t have very many people too worried about a farm bill. Now, 45% of the farmers surveyed said it’s very important that a farm bill be passed in 2025, and another 27% say it’s important,” Mintert said. “When you put those two percentages together, you’ve got 72% of the people surveyed saying a farm bill is important. That wasn’t true a year and a half, two years ago. People weren’t worried about a farm bill then. That’s really changed.”

Flory and Leman were part of the Farmer Forum on AgriTalk on Wednesday. Get the full conversation here .

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Rollins: First 50 Days Fighting for Our Country Has Been A Joy, But There's More Work To Do

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:36:21 GMT

USDA Chief Brooke Rollins is feeling pretty good about her first 50 days as President Donald Trump’s secretary of agriculture.

The Texas native, who just celebrated her 53rd birthday on April 10, is proud of what her team at USDA has accomplished since taking the reins from former Secretary of Agriculture and Iowa attorney Tom Vilsack.

But despite that progress, her list of issues to tackle soon is quickly filling up. Among those action items is deciding if American farmers will need another round of assistance payments later this year and if USDA headquarters should be relocated.

If Trump’s tariff plan proves successful, Rollins says we’ll be “shipping and selling more of our row crops than ever before.”

In that case, she doesn’t anticipate needing to sign off on additional USDA assistance payments for farmers later this summer. But there’s also a potential worst-case scenario where the agency may need to provide direct farmer aid, which also happened in 2019 during tariff disruption.

Rollins hopes to soon have answers to the rumor that USDA headquarters are being relocated. With more than 106,000 employees across 29 divisions, she says USDA is a “mammoth agency” and alluded that the agency may be better positioned to serve America’s farmers and ranchers in a location closer to the major crop and livestock producing areas of the country.

“Does it make sense for one of the bigger divisions to be in Washington, D.C.? Maybe not,” she says. “So, how do we get the government closer to the people we serve? That is one of the President’s key visions in realigning the entire government and returning the power to the people – by ensuring we have the right governance structure in place, and we’re not strangling the very people we’re trying to help with more regulation and more bureaucrats.”

Rollins also expects some reductions in the USDA workforce could be coming as the Trump administration and the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) set out to “realign USDA around farmers, ranchers, foresters and ag producers first.”

Of course, the issue most farmers have top of mind today, besides low commodity prices and high interest rates, is the ongoing tariff saga.

Rollins says she can’t promise anything on that front yet, but she is confident President Trump’s negotiating chops will be able to finagle the best deal possible. Her USDA onboarding agenda included a deep dive into the global ag economy and tariffs – lessons that have proven rather enlightening for the former D.C. think-tank policy director.

“I’ll tell you what I understand now, and I’ve studied the numbers, the non-tariff barriers and what these other countries have done – not just to all American imports, but specifically to our farmers and our ranchers,” she says. “I’ve heard the President say multiple times just in the last few days how it’s unbelievable what these other countries have gotten away with for decades. And that’s what he’s changing (with tariffs).”

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Cotton Farmers Describe Somber Situation: 'We've Gone Beyond Losing Money to Now Losing the Farm'

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:49:05 GMT

In many areas of the South, cotton is king. It’s a dependable crop, and in turn, it’s made farmers loyal to what they grow. But with cotton prices falling below farmers’ breakeven, that crop is causing financial pain to even grow.

“I’ve been farming for 48 years, and I can’t remember anything in a year that’s been as challenging as the way it’s been the last couple of years,” says Franz Rowland, who grows cotton in Boston, Ga.

The south Georgia farmer says cheap cotton prices are one problem, and skyrocketing input costs are another.

“We’re going to plant cotton and don’t even have a clue if we’re going to get our money back,” he says. “There’s no farm bill to support us, and the reference price is so low that it’s not anything that we can depend on. So, we’re going to put several million dollars in the ground and don’t even know if we’re going to get it back.”

Cotton is a high input crop that requires a heavy dose of fertilizer and intensive pest and weed management. But in addition to that, today’s cotton farmers are dealing with the rising cost of equipment.

“It used to be a cost, but it wasn’t a terribly high cost. And today, one of the highest costs we have is machinery,” Rowland says. “Cotton pickers are over $1 million. And nobody makes a cotton picker but John Deere. So, we don’t have a choice.”

The Death of Agriculture in West Texas?
It’s a situation that’s not unique to just south Georgia, though. Cotton farmers across the entire U.S. are grappling with the same uneasiness of growing cotton in 2025. In West Texas, it’s especially hard.

The West Texas area is critical for cotton production. USDA shows Texas growers produce 42% of the country’s cotton . The area surrounding Lubbock, Texas, is known as the largest cotton patch in the U.S. And right now, nearly 68% of Texas is dealing with some level of drought.

The current U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 68% of Texas is experiencing drought. 29% of the state is in the “extreme drought” category.

(U.S. Drought Monitor )

“It feels like the death of agriculture somewhat in our area. Dryland farms really don’t pencil out on hardly anything,” says Heath Heinrich, a cotton and sorghum farmer located south of Lubbock in Slaton, Tex.

Heinrich grows cotton, sorghum and wheat just south of Lubbock, Texas, and he says it feels like a losing battle for farming in his area this year.

“We’re surrounded by political movements. We’re surrounded by tariffs, by markets, and then Mother Nature and business on top of it,” Heinrich says. “And it’s like we are trying to battle so many fronts right now that it’s hard to tell if we’re gaining any ground, you know, or if it’s leading to our demise.”

Drought has gripped Heinrich’s area for multiple years. It’s so dry they’ve struggled to even get the wheat that was planted in the fall to grow this past winter.

“We’re still waiting on the seed to sprout on two-thirds of our stuff,” Heinrich says.

Beyond Losing Money
As president and CEO of National Cotton Council (NCC), Gary Adams sees and hears the somber situation for U.S. cotton farmers from coast to coast. Adams says the outlook for 2025 is even worse than 2024.

“We’ve gone beyond just losing money now that we’re to the point of losing the farm. Unfortunately, where the industry is, that’s what it looks like as we’re going into 2025,” Adams says.

Adams says there’s a lot to unpack in explaining why cotton prices are so low, but the biggest reason is dwindling demand.

“If we look at world mill-use for cotton, it’s estimated right now around 117 to 118 million bales. Well, you don’t have to go too far back to see when we were consuming 123 million bales,” Adams says.

China Moves Away From U.S. Cotton
The biggest reason for the drop in world demand, according to National Cotton Council, is more competition from man-made fibers.

“You look at polyester production in China right now, they produce probably somewhere on the order of about 225 to 230 million bale equivalents. They’re almost twice the size of global cotton demand,” Adams says.

The dwindling picture of U.S cotton exports.

(National Cotton Council)

At the same time, big cotton producers, such as Brazil and Australia, are staring at big crops, which is helping global competition for the smaller market that’s left.

“We are an export-dependent industry,” Adams says. “About 85% of our cotton production is going to the export market. A strong dollar doesn’t help that competitiveness either.”

China is still a larger buyer of U.S. cotton, but there are two reasons they are buying less than they used to:

The switch to synthetic, man-made fibers
The last trade war

“If we go back to 2018, China was buying about 3 to 4 million bales. All of a sudden, we immediately saw the market share the U.S. had go from about 42% to 17%, and prices went from the mid-80s down into the mid-60s. We’re already starting in a depressed situation in terms of where market prices are compared to where they were.”

Cotton has lost market share relative to man-made fibers (MMF).

(National Cotton Council )

With so much focus on trade in Washington this week, NCC wants the Trump administration to enforce trade agreements already in place.

“A big concern we have is that you have non-qualifying product that comes in from third countries that should not be reaping the benefits of the trade agreement,” Adams says.

Some of the biggest offenders, according to NCC, are India, Pakistan and China.

“When you look at the trade date of the imported product coming in, there’s probably some Chinese, Indian and Pakistan yarn and fabric coming into those countries and then likely making its way into the U.S. in a finished good as a duty-free product,” Adams says. “That’s really where you’ve got to crack down because it ought to be either U.S. fiber or yarns produced in the region that allow you to gain the duty-free access into the U.S. market.”

Drumming Up New Domestic Demand
The cotton industry hopes to also capitalize on the momentum from the president’s America First Agenda , as one of the big domestic issues is not as much American-grown cotton is being milled here, either.

Textile/Apparel production has moved out of the U.S.

(National Cotton Council (NCC) )

In 2004, 6.7 million bales were used by U.S. cotton mills
In 2024, that dropped to 1.7 million
That equals a nearly 75% decline in the past 20 years.

One way NCC hopes to help revive the U.S. cotton industry longer term is by boosting domestic demand.

“As an industry, we are looking at some opportunities to perhaps use tax credits to reward the use of U.S. cotton in the supply chain by a brand and retailer. In other words, add some additional value to pull U.S. cotton through to the end product,” Adams says.

Farm Bill is No. 1 Priority
In the short-term, the NCC is pushing Congress to complete a new farm bill - one that applies to the 2025 crop.

“I just can’t state this strongly enough: We have to have a farm bill done by Congress this year that applies to the 2025 crop,” Adams says. “The economic assistance that was approved in the end-of-year package last year was a critical lifeline that’s allowing a number of producers to continue to get financing, but it was simply a short-term fix. It doesn’t address the 2025 crop. That’s why we’ve got to have something that helps meet some of the financial needs that producers are under right now.”

That dire plea for a farm bill is being echoed by cotton farmers, as well.

“We have to have a farm bill. Farmers can’t survive without a farm bill,” Rowland says. “The government came up with disaster and emergency relief programs, and that’s fine. But to hang your hat on something, so to speak, we’ve got to have a farm bill with reference prices that are current to the input costs.”

Rowland says the cotton industry is to a point that they are already seeing younger producers get forced out due to the lack of financing.

“What I hear from the younger guys is they’re having a really hard time getting financed. They can’t pay back the 2024 operating loan, so the banks are not wanting to go with them again in 2025,” Rowland says. “The money we got here lately from the government helped a lot, but it didn’t solve the problem.”

Rowland says the current farm bill is irrelevant, even calling it “worthless” for cotton.

“Without a farm bill, sooner or later, we’re going to be doomed,” he says.

Excitement for 2025 is Gone
Typically, planting season is one of the most exciting times of the year for Rowland, and one that signals hope and new beginnings. But this year, that excitement is gone.

“Typically my adrenaline starts going. I get all excited about making a crop and putting in a crop, and this year is completely different,” he says. “It’s just hard to get motivated to spend this money. I just spent $50,000 today on fertilizer and chemicals. Am I going to get that back? So, I’m not excited about it at all.”

Rowland says if prices don’t improve this year, it’s not just the fact he won’t be able to cover the high input costs he’s already paid, he says he could be staring at losses in the millions.

Your Next Read:

New Warning Signs Agriculture Is In A Recession
Will There Be A New Farm Bill This Year?

Rollins Promises Grain Farmers Improving Ag Economy is a Top Priority

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:25:56 GMT

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA is ready to roll out a number of programs that have been on hold pending review.

“We have completed our review and are releasing the funds for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program and the agriculture conservation easement program,” Rollins said. “We are releasing those funds back to all of you who participate in those programs.”

Rollins made the announcement Sunday in Denver at the 2025 Commodity Classic where organizers estimate 10,000 will be on hand for the three-day event. The annual gathering of corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum farmers from across the country welcomed her address ahead of what’s likely to be another busy week for the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture.

New Emergency Commodity Assistance Program to Distribute Farmer Funds

Rollins also formally announced economic assistance will be distributed by March 21 .

“The economic assistance program will be called the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, or ECAP,” Rollins said. “ECAP is the new program to help us distribute that $30 billion in funds that Congress passed in December. They gave us 90 days to start distributing that first $10 billion in economic assistance, and we are on track to beat that and get that money starting to move immediately.”

Rollins is also looking at the application process and asking her team to find ways to streamline the distribution of those funds.

“In cases where we have information already on file, a pre-filled application will be sent to you,” Rollins said. “FSA will use the 2024 acreage reporting data you previously filed to initiate that application process. This is just common sense.”

Farmers who might have missed the above window will be asked to review their information, sign and return a completed application to their local FSA Service Center. Rollins also stressed the development of new tools that will use fair and transparent standards for calculating payments.

“Just in case there was any doubt, it will not be based on DEI metrics. Instead, it will be based on need, regardless of your skin color or geographic location,” Rollins said.

Trade, market development and demand remain serious concerns for the Commodity Classic crowd. At the end of February, President Donald Trump confirmed 25% tariffs for Mexico and Canada will take effect March 4. Farmers are worried their grain and other ag goods could face retaliatory measures and eventually exacerbate the U.S. agricultural trade deficit.

During a press conference, Rollins was asked about tariffs on Canada given that 87% of the potash used in the Midwest come from the province of Saskatchewan.

“I have had conversations with [Trump] specific to that issue, and will continue, but also the other teams from U.S. Trade Representative, Jameson Greer, to Howard Ludnick, Commerce Secretary, are leading a lot of these conversations and negotiations on behalf of this White House,” Rollins said. “Our conversations are ongoing and will continue. I fully recognize the issue.”

You can watch a 16-minute video of Secretary Rollins’ remarks at Commodity Classic on Farm Journal TV . The new subscription video service offers the convenience of on-demand access to hundreds of hours of content, including “AgDay,” “U.S. Farm Report,” “Machinery Pete” TV, Farm Journal’s podcast network, event footage, educational programming and more.

Farm Bill Push to the Finish Line

A soft farm economy for grain growers is at the top of the list heading into the 2025 planting season. It’s also why Rollins told the crowd she’s pushing Congress to get to work on finishing a new farm bill.

“How do we get the farm bill across the finish line?” Rollins asked rhetorically. “It is inexcusable it has yet to happen, and I understand there are a lot of factors out of the control of those who are making the decision, but there’s a new game in town. My commitment to you is that we get a farm bill done by the end of this year and we can avoid punting a full five-year bill for a third time.”

She says a new farm bill is needed to provide certainty for farmers and shore up a sputtering farm economy.

“The state of the ag economy, especially for row crop producers, is perhaps the worst it’s been in 100 years,” Rollins said. “I hear you when you tell me the department’s latest net farm income update showed the decline in crop cash receipts over the last two years were the largest in recorded history.”

USDA data shows farm inputs are up nearly 30% over the past five years while corn, soybean, sorghum and wheat prices have fallen by 30% in the last three years alone.

“The agriculture trade deficit is set to hit a record $49 billion in 2025 — that is money directly from your bottom line,” Rollins said.

The Ag Secretary pledged to the crowd, it’s her goal to find new trading partners and open market access for producers in the next few years.

“I know firsthand how important trade is to your success, and I’m committed as a top priority to work with this President and travel the world to expand market access for all of our crops and all of our producers around America,” Rollins added.

Q&A With A Washington Insider: 4 Insights For Farmers

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:55:24 GMT

Growing up on a corn and soybean farm in central Illinois, Tara Smith is no stranger to agriculture. Now the executive vice president of Torrey Advisory Group, Smith helps teach members of Congress about the issues in front of the ag industry.

“We represent people from the farm gate - dairy farmers, soybean farmers, corn farmers, retailers like Wegmans and everything in between, whether it’s ag inputs, processors or ingredient companies,” Smith says. “We do lobbying for them, general issues management, light communications, and association management as well.”

Smith joined the Top Producer podcast with host Paul Neiffer and shared four insights about lobbying in Washington D.C.

Q: When lobbying on the Hill, do you primarily meet with staff, representatives or senators?
A: A lot of folks come to town for their Fly Ins to lobby on an issue, and they get really disappointed where they don’t get to meet with a member. But I would say those staff are really important. They are the gatekeepers of information to their bosses, particularly if their boss doesn’t know agriculture particularly well, or doesn’t know your issue particularly well. Build that relationship with the staff so when that staffer has a question about a certain policy issue or a bill, you’re the resource and the person they call to ask a question. That’s invaluable. Meeting with members is great and very important, but I wouldn’t undersell that time with staffers.

Q: Many people have the assumption there’s a great deal of hurry to get a farm bill done. But there’s no deadline until either Sept. 30 or Dec. 30. What’s your take?
A: Congress works best under pressure and with deadlines. The intent might be there to try to move something quickly, but my guess is that there is a laundry list of other issues that are really going to take the oxygen out of the room in D.C. for the first several months this year. It’s hard to see where a farm bill fits in at all this year. And I think it would be really amazing work on the part of the leadership of the ag committee to have something ready to go in September.

Catch up on episodes of the Top Producer podcast

Q: What have you heard about reference prices in the next farm bill?
A: It’s hard with the farm economy where it is right now, pre-tariffs and let alone post-tariffs, to envision us a farm bill without some sort of increase in reference price prices or beefing up of Title One. If you’ve looked at the numbers getting a crop like soybeans, for example, to a decent reference price level where they would actually trigger in really bad situations - like a trade war with China - is going to require a really significant increase on a lot of acres, and that means it gets really expensive, really fast. I think it’s really hard to envision us getting a farm bill across the finish line without some of that funding.

Q: You lobby on behalf of the crop insurance industry. Why is crop insurance so important?
A: It’s one of the most important programs we have coming out of USDA. When we start talking about all of these different disasters that are coming at farmers - tariffs or increased input prices or weather disasters - the first money on the ground from USDA is crop insurance money. You look at Title One or ad hoc disaster assistance, you’re looking at a full year, maybe two, before you see a dollar in the farmer’s pocket. There’s a lot of confidence in crop insurance being able to meet those needs and being able to be a guarantee.

Your Next Read: Find Out The ‘Best Buy’ In Crop Insurance This Year

Senate Overwhelmingly Confirms Brooke Rollins as 33rd Secretary of Agriculture

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:10:36 GMT

Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary , was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate on Thursday. The vote was 72-28. Her confirmation was expected, as the Senate maintains its quick pace of confirming President Donald Trump’s key Cabinet positions.

“America’s farmers, ranchers and foresters need a leader at USDA who will be an advocate for their livelihoods and rural America and be a strong voice to address the pressing needs of our agriculture community. Brooke Rollins is that person,” Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, said on the Senate floor prior to the vote.

Congratulations @USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. We look forward to working together to serve rural America. pic.twitter.com/CIljFpYQZX
— Senate Ag Committee Republicans (@SenateAgGOP) February 13, 2025

“I congratulate Secretary Rollins on her confirmation,” said House Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) in a statement following the vote. “Secretary Rollins begins her new role at a critical time for American agriculture. Family farmers are struggling with high input costs and low prices; tariffs are being proposed that will raise costs on American producers and American consumers; the agricultural workforce is being threatened; and Congress is behind schedule in passing a new, bipartisan farm bill. If we want to tackle these challenges in a way that supports family farmers and the communities they feed, we will need to work together. I look forward to building a strong working relationship with Secretary Rollins as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.”

Today, @SecRollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Here’s a snapshot of her first day at USDA! pic.twitter.com/GFpIYdnovF
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) February 14, 2025

Rollins’ close ties to President Trump are viewed as a positive for U.S. agriculture as some say, “she has President Trump’s ear.”

When President Trump made the nomination announcement in November, he said her “commitment to support the American farmer, the defense of American food self-sufficiency and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none.”

Important Issues in Immediate Focus

Rollins has some important issues to focus on immediately, including:

Reviewing the various USDA grants and other funding that remain frozen;
Getting ag disaster ($21 billion) and economic aid ($10 billion) payments made to eligible producers;
Working with NEC Director Kevin Hassett and others on the bird flu situation;
Monitoring the impact of Trump tariffs on the U.S. ag sector and any need for a farmer aid program
Advising key congressional members on a new farm bill;
Working with Treasury/IRS, EPA and Energy Dept. personnel on finalizing information regarding the 45Z program;
Informing President Trump and others about the impact on farm country from mass deportations relative to border security action;
Checking on and working with other agencies and departments regarding food aid;
Working with her new staff and other key USDA personnel as they officially come into USDA;
Getting ready for fiscal year 2026 budget matters for USDA;
Working with EPA and the Dept. of Energy on the 2026 RFS RVOs;
Dealing with a smaller USDA workforce via buyouts and other actions to reduce the number of government workers;
Addressing issues raised by the GAO relative to operation of the SNAP/food stamps program and other operational aspects of the program should they see any major alternations under budget reconciliation.

Rollins Gets Straight to Work

Rollins already held a meeting at 4 p.m. CT Thursday at USDA on bird flu, gathering who she said were “some of the most brilliant professionals I’ve encountered. Their insights were invaluable.” Rollins will be very visible in the days ahead, she said on X that she will be in four states, give six speeches, attend the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville and “so much more.”

Today, I had the immense honor of being sworn in as the next Secretary of Agriculture by one of my heroes — and a true American judicial titan — Justice Clarence Thomas.

Being surrounded by my precious family as I took the oath of office is a moment I will forever cherish. pic.twitter.com/CrprXOuW7Z
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) February 14, 2025

A Look Back at Rollins’ Confirmation Hearing

During Rollins’ confirmation hearing in the Senate Ag Committee last month , she outlined several key priorities for USDA if confirmed:

Rapid deployment of disaster and economic assistance authorized by Congress.
Addressing current animal disease outbreaks.
Modernizing and realigning USDA.
Ensuring long-term prosperity for rural communities.

Rollins also clarified her stance on ethanol and RFS, distancing herself from past positions of the Texas Public Policy Foundation:

She stated the Foundation’s position on ethanol/RFS was written a decade ago and was one of 900 to 1,000 papers produced annually.
Rollins emphasized she did not author those papers.
While admitting to being a defender of fossil fuels, she insisted she would be “a secretary for all of agriculture” and a “champion for all fuels.”

Tariff Impact Aid for Farmers

During questioning, Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) asked Rollins about her approach to working with President Trump’s trade agenda. Rollins responded she would prioritize working with the White House to address any challenges farmers and ranchers might face under potential tariff implementations.

Rollins committed to supporting farmers in the case of tariff-related harm:

She pledged to undertake efforts such as the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) via payments from the first Trump administration. MFP was part of a broader effort by USDA to assist farmers impacted by retaliatory tariffs and trade disruptions.
Rollins has consulted with former USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue about the implementation of such programs.

Rollins previously servied as the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a think tank established by former Trump officials to promote conservative policies.

AFPI has advocated for curbing foreign ownership — particularly from China — of U.S. farmland, an issue with bipartisan support in Congress. She served as the president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) from 2003 to 2018, where she significantly expanded the organization and positioned it as a leading state-based think tank.

Economists Says Rollins is a Positive for U.S. Agriculture

How Farmers Size Up RFK Jr.

(Farm Journal )

80% of economists in the January Ag Economists’ Monthly say Rollins is a positive pick for U.S. agriculture .

“Rollins knows ag and has Trump’s ear,” said one economist.

“Her close connection the President and reasons outlined in the letter sent by 427 ag organizations and businesses on January 15th,” said another economist.

20% of economists say Rollins wouldn’t be positive for U.S. agriculture.

One economist said, “USDA focused heavily on under-served producers during the Vilsack era and my sense is that producers wanted the Secretary to come from a production ag view; whereas Rollins come at it more from an overall domestic policy view. Also, feel the administration isn’t helping her out with the Deputy Secretary nomination. Producers don’t see themselves in the upcoming USDA leadership.”

Ag Groups React to Rollins’ Confirmation

“Congratulations to Secretary Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA. America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California Proposition 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations,” said National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
“On behalf of America’s farmer cooperatives, I would like to congratulate Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture today. In this role, Secretary Rollins will lead an agency that impacts the operations of every farm and ranch in the country and touches every local community across rural America. She will also serve as the voice of producers within the Trump administration at a critical moment. NCFC looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins on a range of issues within USDA that impact farmer co-ops and their members,” said National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC).
“Congratulations to Secretary Brooke Rollins on her bi-partisan confirmation to become U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Clearly, President Trump has selected a highly capable and accomplished individual to lead USDA. Secretary Rollins’ commitment to returning USDA to its core mission of supporting all of agriculture is exactly the focus our country needs right now. I am confident that she will be an effective advocate for farmers, ensuring that President Trump’s policies reflect their needs and support the vitality of our rural communities,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.
“The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) congratulates the Honorable Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA as the 33rd U.S. agriculture secretary. Rollin’s policy crafting experience and passion for opportunities for agriculture will contribute tangible impacts for American farmers and ranchers and people around the globe who enjoy U.S. food products.
NASDA is enthusiastic to work with the secretary on our priorities including increasing economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food producers, advancing a new farm bill, improving Americans’ access to nutrient-dense foods and ensuring American agriculture can continue to provide the most secure, affordable and nutritious food supply in the world,” NASDA said in a statement.
“Secretary Rollins understands the pain points the agriculture industry faces and has a plan to address these right away,” Hawkins said. “She understands the importance of a strong safety net and is prepared to work with Congress to implement a modernized Farm Bill. She will work with farmers to eliminate burdensome and costly regulations that hamper innovation, will spearhead animal disease prevention and mitigation, and will identify new export channels across the globe to support markets. Raised in rural Texas, Secretary Rollins knows the importance of strengthening our rural communities and making them a great place to live, work, and raise our families. We are thrilled with her bipartisan confirmation and welcome the opportunity to work with her to advance the agriculture industry,” said Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins.
Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), expressed confidence in Rollins’ capabilities.
“IDFA congratulates Ms. Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. We’re confident she will be a strong voice for the U.S. food and agriculture industry across the federal government. As USDA navigates a dynamic trade environment, we need Secretary Rollins’ leadership to expand U.S. dairy exports, support a coordinated response to animal disease outbreaks, and preserve dairy’s critical place in federal nutrition programs, including SNAP milk and dairy nutrition incentives, WIC and school meals. IDFA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins at USDA to strengthen Americans’ dietary health, support farmers and the entire dairy supply chain in the production of wholesome food, and build a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, growth and food safety. These efforts will enable our industry to continue leading the world in the production of high-quality, nutritious dairy foods,” Dykes stated.

Congratulations, @BrookeLRollins on your confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture @USDA . We look forward to working with you to be a strong voice for the U.S. food and agriculture industry, expand U.S. dairy exports, support a coordinated response to animal… pic.twitter.com/1pqhNrzDnc
— IDFA (@dairyidfa) February 13, 2025

Rollins and will now finish assembling her team at USDA. Here are the key appointments already made by President Trump:

Stephen Vaden: Nominated for Deputy USDA Secretary

Undersecretary Nominees

Richard Fordyce: Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Dudley Hoskins: Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Luke Lindberg: Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
Michael Boren: Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Scott Hutchins: Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics

Senior Staff Appointments:

Kailee Tkacz Buller: Chief of Staff at USDA
Preston Parry: Deputy Chief of Staff
Jennifer Tiller: Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Dominic Restuccia: White House Liaison for USDA
Ralph Linden: Principal Deputy General Counsel
Audra Weeks: Deputy Director of Communications

Natural Resources and Environment Appointments

Kristin Sleeper: Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Tom Schultz: Chief of Staff for Natural Resources and Environment

Other Notable Appointments

Brooke Appleton: Deputy Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Tyler Clarkson: USDA General Counsel

10 Charts to Explain What's Shaping the Ag Economy to Start 2025

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 21:07:34 GMT

Last year’s initial net farm income forecast showed the two largest consecutive declines in net farm income history, the picture seems to be improving in 2025.

According to USDA’s Economic Research Service, the first net farm income forecast of the year shows net farm income is expected to reach $180.1 billion, up $41 billion from 2024, while net cash farm income is projected to hit $193.7 billion, a $34.5 billion increase. A staggering 34.5% increase in government payments, from $9.3 billion in 2024 to $42.4 billion in 2025, is the key factor behind the income boost.

Yet, when you look at the specifics, economists continue to be more bullish when it comes to livestock, specifically cattle.

Farm Journal’s January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

According to economists in the January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor survey, shrinking supplies and strong demand are the two major drivers of the historic run in cattle prices. And that’s why out of the 10 major commodities, economists are most bullish on cattle in 2025.

Recession in Row Crops?

Even with the expectation for improved net farm income, with a 34% increase in expected government payments, ag economists are still concerned about the current state of the ag economy for the row crop sector. Sixty-four percent of economists say the row crop side of agriculture is currently in a recession, 36% say it’s not.

Farm Journal’s January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

“A modest recovery in prices for some major crops has slightly improved the current state of the farm economy, and the outlook has brightened somewhat as well,” said one economist in the anonymous Monthly Monitor survey. “The prospect of economic assistance and disaster payments also improves the farm income outlook in 2025.”

“For row crop profitability, corn and soybean prices have seen some improvement recently offering some decent pricing opportunities, but some farmers may not have any old crop to sell now to take advantage of improved prices,” said another economist. “Without additional price improvement, there is still poor profitability outlook for new crop. But when you look at demand opportunities, there are a lot of unknowns about the future demand for trade and biofuels in the Trump administration. It could be positive or negative and will likely be impactful over the next 12 months.”

Those who argue agriculture is not in a recession, say it’s because:

$31 billion in direct payments and disaster aid passed by Congress in December.
The fact strong land values and rents have slowed their increases yet have not seen any significant declines

“We are not in a recession when farmers were still paying off pre-bought 2025 input expenses in 2024 to minimize 2024 tax bills, nor when land values and cash rents are holding as well as they are. There are producers that are over extended and all crop producers are making adjustments, but these are the ebbs and flows that the agricultural industry has managed for decades,” one economist said. “The expectations are changing to expect downside risk, and so people aren’t planning for the downside, and those that do are being penalized.”

Consolidation Concerns

Farm Journal’s January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

With concerns about a recession, the survey then asked economists if the current environment will accelerate consolidation, and an overwhelming number of economists, 86%, said yes.

Those economists who think it will force consolidation said:

“Probably mostly in the related industries as they try to consolidate to protect profit margins as producers maybe pull back on input choices or become much more price-conscious.”
“Farmers will think about exiting earlier, debt/income ratio”
“It’s only the most cost-efficient survive.”
“More people are exiting because they have little choice. Much consolidation would be happening even if the market situation were better.”
“Low margin producers will always be squeezed out by these type of times.”
“The ability of larger producers to spread costs over a larger number of acres.”
“Semi-retired farmers tend to call it quits during a down cycle. Farms that rent a substantial portion of their acreage find it increasingly difficult to sustain high cash rents.”

However, other economists argue the downturn hasn’t lasted long enough to force consolidation.

“If the current situation persists for several years, then yes. At this point, it’s too early and not severe enough,” one economist said.

The Main Factors Driving the Ag Economy

When asked to list the main factors driving the health of the ag economy right now, ag economists said:

Poor grain prices offset by improving livestock margins
Biofuel policies, tariffs, commodity prices
The potential for a trade war with China
South America’s crop
Ad hoc government payments
Improved grain ending stocks in the U.S.
Lower costs for fuel and interest

Trump’s Priorities and the Impact on Ag

The January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor released this week asked which of Trump’s priorities will have the most negative impact on agriculture. Seventy-nine percent said it’s trade and tariffs. Twenty-two percent said border security and deportation.

When asked which of the president’s priorities would have the most positive impact on agriculture, 54% of economists said cutting regulations, and 38% said tax changes.

January Ag Economists’ Monthy Monitor

(Lindsey Pound )

Tariffs on the U.S.'s top three trading partners could have a major impact on agriculture. The January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor asked economists which input is most at risk. The top answer was fertilizer.

“From a headline standpoint, it’s probably potash,” says Samuel Taylor, farm inputs analyst, Rabobank. “We get 85% to 90% of our potash from imports from the Canadian market. The residual is made up by Russia and Israel, in principle, with some other markets coming in.”

Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

Direct Payments to Farmers

As USDA noted in its 2025 net farm income forecast this week, Congress included economic aid for farmers in the continuing resolution (CR) . The “Economic Loss Assistance Program” earmarked $10 billion in direct payments for farmers, which is expected to improve the net farm income picture this year.

Farmers are still waiting for the payments from USDA, but it’s been called a “cash infusion” into the farm sector.

January Ag Economists’ Monthly Montior

(Lindsey Pound )

The January Monthly Monitor asked economists if those payments were needed in agriculture. Sixty-four percent said yes, and 36% said no.

In the survey, of the economists who said the payments were needed, some of the reasons why include:

Land values continue to climb
Input costs will remain elevated and inefficient farmers that overleveraged themselves the past couple years will remain in business
Delays producers cutting fixed costs, especially cash rents

But not all economists agree the payments were needed, warning of some unintended consequences, including prolonging what some economists argue are adjustments needed in the industry. In the survey, economists said:

“I think there could be some pushback when the longer-term farm bill comes up for authorization with budget hawks pointing to the $10 billion as a down payment of sorts.”
“This will slow some adjustments that arguably are needed. For example, land rents are generally higher than can be justified by current market returns. Getting approval for another round of payments in 2025 is far from certain, so unless markets improve considerably, there could be a renewed financial squeeze in 2026.”

Future of the Farm Bill

Farm Journal’s January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

The Senate and House leadership for both Ag Committees have made clear they want to see a farm bill early this year. Fifty-seven percent of economists think it will be the second half of this year before Congress passes a new farm bill. Twenty-nine percent say 2026, and 14% of economists still think Congress will pass a new farm bill the first half of 2025.

45Z and Impact on Farmers

In the Biden administration’s final days in office, USDA finally released an interim rule establishes guidelines for quantifying, reporting and verifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production of biofuel feedstock commodity crops grown in the U.S.

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also issued preliminary guidance on the 45Z tax credit in January, which was created by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA/Climate Act), including the addition of sorghum as a crop that could qualify as a feedstock for a fuel that can claim the 45Z credit if certain climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices are followed.

The Treasury also released a notice that provides the emissions rate table for the 45Z credit.

Farm Journal’s January Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor

(Lindsey Pound)

The January Monthly Monitor asked if the rule becomes final, when it could impact farmers and ethanol producers. Fifty-five percent said it could impact them as soon as the second half of this year.

Trump’s Key Cabinet Picks

Rollins and RJK Jr. in Farm Country

(Farm Journal )

The future of 45Z is now up to the Trump administration.

Late last month, Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary , powered through her confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Ag Committee . The Senate still needs to vote on her confirmation, but no timeline has been given on when that vote will happen yet.

Eighty percent of economists in the January Ag Economists’ Monthly say if confirmed, Rollins is a positive pick for U.S. agriculture.

“Rollins knows ag and has Trump’s ear,” said one economist.
“Her close connection the president and reasons outlined in the letter sent by 427 ag organizations and businesses on Jan. 15,” said another economist.

Twenty percent of economists say Rollins wouldn’t be positive for U.S. agriculture.

One economist said, “USDA focused heavily on under-served producers during the Vilsack era and my sense is that producers wanted the Secretary to come from a production ag view; whereas Rollins comes at it more from an overall domestic policy view. Also, I feel the administration isn’t helping her out with the Deputy Secretary nomination. Producers don’t see themselves in the upcoming USDA leadership.”

However, economists aren’t as confident that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, will be a positive for U.S. agriculture. Ninety percent of the economists surveyed said no.

One economist said, “His disrespect for science is troubling.” Another economist weighed in by saying, “His positions on crop protection will be an interesting storyline to watch early in 2025.”

However, not all economists think RFK Jr. would be bad for agriculture. In fact, one economist thinks he could actually restore confidence in agriculture.

“Improving health outcomes, even if over a longer time period, should improve the consumer opinion of agriculture and be a net gain overall,” one economist said in the anonymous survey.