Tariffs are top of mind but farmers are still eager to get a new Farm Bill on the books.
One specialty crop grower recently told lawmakers their crop insurance has not had attention since the 1980s.
“Specialty crops have less support, higher risk, and unfortunately, a weaker risk mitigation system to rely on than our friends with row crops. Right now, our industry relies on an outdated crop insurance program that USDA help set up in the 190s. We need to correct this immediately to help ensure our farm’s survival,” said Ben Eicheverry, a New Mexico chile grower.
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Farm bill negotiations remain unsettled, leaving producers waiting for updated federal support programs.
From projected drops in input costs to biofuel expansion and the USDA’s new “One Farmer, One File” initiative, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins shared key policy priorities at Commodity Classic that put farm issues back in the spotlight.
House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says the 2026 Farm Bill is bipartisan, with 82% of the bills incorporated into it receiving bipartisan support.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
