AUCTION BARN STUDIO, FORT WORTH, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — As House and Senate lawmakers continue working to complete what many are calling “Farm Bill 2.0,” Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman says much of the legislation’s work has already been accomplished through the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed earlier this year.
Boozman estimates that roughly 85 percent of a traditional farm bill was addressed in that package, leaving about 15% still to be completed. He says the remaining priorities center on strengthening rural communities and ensuring farmers have access to the resources they need.
Among the top priorities, Boozman says, is updating federal farm lending limits, which he noted are based on outdated economic conditions.
“Getting the lending limits up to date. The old farm bill was based on 2012 data,” Boozman said. “You can imagine the cost of building a shed has gone through the roof. Those lending limits need to go up. We want to get that updated.”
Boozman also highlighted investments in rural broadband, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure as key components of the remaining legislation.
“We want to make sure the young generation wants to stay on the farm,” he said, adding that reliable broadband access is essential for modern agriculture and rural quality of life.
According to Boozman, expanding broadband infrastructure is one of the most important steps Congress can take to support the future of rural America, helping farm families access technology, education and business opportunities while encouraging the next generation to remain in agriculture.
