The ACRE Act will benefit ag bankers, farmers, and ranchers, but how?

Ag bankers, farmers, and ranchers are pushing for the passage of the ACRE Act.

It could make lending cheaper for producers, a move the American Bankers Association says would have a big, positive impact across the economy.

“It’s a tax bill. So, in the context of agriculture, we always think Farm Bill right? But in reality, there are a lot of taxes that affect agriculture, the ACRE Act being one of those pieces of legislation that would change the tax code. So, to break it down, what it will do is it’ll change the tax code around agricultural farm real estate lending, rural housing, aquaculture, and fishery,” said Ed Elfman.

Elfman says the ACRE Act would allow farmers and ranchers to take advantage of cheaper borrowing rates. He says it is an idea that has been around for decades but never got much traction. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall helped author the bill, and he calls it “common sense legislation” that could reverse years of downward trends.

Related Stories
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.