In the last few hours, the House has narrowly passed the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Act that extends tax breaks and boosts farm programs.
The reconciliation bill was again debated all night, this time before the full House. It passed by just one vote and made the 2017 tax cuts permanent, a major request from farmers and ag groups. This includes adjustments to the estate tax exemption, and it also includes SNAP reform, increases crop insurance, and commodity program spending. House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson says the bill stops tax hikes, reigns in spending, and invests in rural America.
The bill now moves to the Senate. Thompson says once this bill is settled, he is eager to get to work on the Farm Bill, which addresses several issues not included in the reconciliation package. Those include farm loan limits and rules, action on the local ag market program, nutrition assistance incentives, and other rural development programs. Thompson says the remaining issues in the Farm Bill are now much easier to tackle with the larger issues now out of the way.
Kurt Kovarik of Clean Fuels Alliance America joined us to break down the latest developments in the Renewable Fuel Standard rulemaking process and what it could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and rural economies.
March 02, 2026 02:25 PM
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Jennifer Tirey of the Illinois Pork Producers Association joined us to discuss efforts to bring pork back into Chicago Public Schools, the nutritional benefits for students, and what the decision could mean for pork producers across the state.
March 02, 2026 02:23 PM
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High fertilizer costs and global risks threaten spring margins for growers.
March 02, 2026 12:22 PM
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Restored base acres strengthen cotton risk protection.
March 01, 2026 05:00 AM
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Agriculture Freedom Zones reflect rising concern that data center growth must not strain rural grids or displace productive farmland.
February 28, 2026 05:00 PM
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Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd joins Champions of Rural America to share insights into the Western Caucus legislative priorities as they champion wildfire prevention and mitigation in the West.
February 27, 2026 02:35 PM
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