Sen. Grassley: A five-year Farm Bill will be a heavy lift, and SNAP is a big part of it

The Farm Bill is still top of mind for many in agriculture. However, some lawmakers warn a five-year bill will be a heavy lift.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says SNAP is still a major player in Farm Bill talks, and says anymore pushback could put farmers in another bad spot.

“We’ll be in the same boat we were before. Instead of having a five-year farm bill or six-year or seven, we’d have an eight-year farm bill, which isn’t right for farmers. Whether SNAP is in reconciliation or whether we make those decisions in the five-year farm bill, we’re still going to have to have the reauthorization of the food stamp program.”

Before lawmakers can touch the Farm Bill, they have to iron out budget details. House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that he wants that done by Memorial Day, opening the door for Farm Bill discussions.

Related Stories
A slimmed-down Farm Bill is back on the table in Washington, with lawmakers pushing for a deal by Fall 2025. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas weighs in with his outlook.
A group of 32 Democratic senators is urging ag lawmakers to halt their opposition to Prop 12 in the next Farm Bill.
“Bottom line: food security is national security!”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
National FFA Organization CEO Scott Stump shares the importance of Give FFA Day, how contributions support students, and why today is an opportunity for everyone to help invest in the future of agriculture.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.