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.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
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Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
January 07, 2026 12:20 PM
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
January 07, 2026 11:55 AM
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
January 06, 2026 01:39 PM
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Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
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According to multiple reports, Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering a bid for Minnesota governor. If elected, this would open a key seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee.
January 06, 2026 11:30 AM
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