It is full speed ahead this week for Senate ag lawmakers as they work to meet the self-imposed July 4th deadline for the President’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.” However, they have hit a roadblock that has them looking for other cost-saving measures around the SNAP program.
Senators were looking at saving some major dollars by requiring states to cover more of the program’s costs, but the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that it cannot be done in the reconciliation process. Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman says SNAP must be improved in order to rein in federal spending. The proposed cuts to SNAP would have saved more than $200 billion over a decade.
In a recent call with ag reporters, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said farmers need this bill to pass.
“If we get it through the Senate and House and signed by the President, we’ve got some certainty for farmers and some improvement in where farmers are today on those prices, and farmers will benefit.”
However, Grassley says the reconciliation bill could complicate Farm Bill talks. The President’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” includes most of the heavy lifting for the Farm Bill, a move Grassley says could slow down the chances of a traditional five-year Farm Bill.
Lewis Williamson, from HTS Commodities, joined us to share insights on the farm economy from producers in the field.
October 07, 2025 12:47 PM
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Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
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“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
October 06, 2025 11:23 AM
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On Champions of Rural America, Rep. Dusty Johnson underscores the Western Caucus’ ongoing commitment to advocating for farmers and rural communities.
October 03, 2025 03:21 PM
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American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
October 03, 2025 01:12 PM
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
October 03, 2025 01:04 PM
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