WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — After years of debate, a “skinny” Farm Bill is now headed to the Senate after clearing the House, as questions remain about the role of a traditional Farm Bill with certain policy changes already addressed through other types of legislation.
RFD News farm legal expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to provide his legal expertise on how federal farm policy is accomplished, and how a traditional Farm Bill functions compared to ad hoc appropriations bills like the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA), which passed in late 2025 and covered many critical updates to Farm Bill legislation after the 2018 bill expired.
In his interview with RFD News, McEowen discussed the primary benefits of the Farm Bill as intended and why it continues to play a key role in agricultural policy, while raising concerns about the ongoing shift toward more reactive governance through reconciliation and ad hoc disaster payments.
He also addressed potential risks associated with increased reliance on those payment types and emphasized the broader importance of maintaining a structured, long-term approach through a traditional Farm Bill.
Finally, McEowen shared his outlook as the legislation moves to the Senate following passage in the House.
