Cotton growers are hoping to get their share of the Farm Bill pot.
We spoke with a Texas farmer who tells us while it has been a rough couple of years for cotton, he is optimistic about the current makeup of Congress and those on the ag committees.
“There’s a lot of appetite, I would say, to really come together, work together to enhance the policy that we have on the books today, and really kind of walked along and make sure that the policy that is being developed is substantial. That will help over the next four to five years in the length term of a farm bill process,” said Kody Bessent.
Cotton growers have had a rough go recently, with break-even prices for last year’s cotton around $0.70-$0.80 per pound. Just recently, the National Cotton Council updated planting intentions for this year, down nearly 15 percent from 2024, which comes out to 9.6 million acres. Extra long staple intentions are also down, nearly 25 percent. The Cotton Council says weather and agronomic conditions have led to the updated acres.
While there is a large push to get the Farm Bill done, it could be some time before it has passed. Our sources in Washington tell us it will likely be summer before it sees any action.
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
January 05, 2026 12:20 PM
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Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
January 05, 2026 10:17 AM
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December 30, 2025 12:26 PM
A narrower Section 1071 rule could reduce regulatory pressure on ag lenders while keeping credit available in rural communities.
December 24, 2025 06:00 AM
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The U.S. Forest Service takes us on the same journey from a tree farm in Nevada across America to experience the magic of Christmas in the U.S. Capitol.
December 23, 2025 02:15 PM
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Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
December 23, 2025 02:01 PM
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Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
December 23, 2025 01:34 PM
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
December 23, 2025 01:04 PM
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Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.
December 23, 2025 01:02 PM
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