The ag community is still operating on the 2018 Farm Bill, and farmers say the reference prices from that legislation are outdated.
One lawmaker wonders if the ag legislation should be shortened from its current five-year authorization.
“The reference price no longer reflects the cost of production for farmers, and I will tell you, I’m concerned that they’re moving so fast, that I truly think after this Farm Bill, we probably need to get to a three-year cycle, not a five-year on the Farm Bill because of the speed at which things are changing,” said Rep. Austin Scott.
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson had a strong warning about the situation.
“There has never been a time where there has been such a bleak outlook over the next five years for the represented farms with every single major commodity deep in the red. Producers deciding what to plant this year aren’t thinking about what rotation is likely to make money, but rather what crops will cause them to lose the least.”
USDA’s latest farm income forecast shows that cash farm income is expected to rise 22 percent this year compared to last year. However, economists say that is only because of direct government payments.
House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
March 16, 2026 01:01 PM
·
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
March 11, 2026 03:34 PM
·
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
March 11, 2026 11:24 AM
·
The bill has already cleared the House Agriculture Committee and is headed toward a full House vote, but the timeline for final passage remains unclear. But the question is, when exactly? Could it possibly be a nice little gift for Easter?
March 11, 2026 11:12 AM
·
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
March 10, 2026 03:57 PM
·
National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.
March 10, 2026 01:44 PM
·
