SNAP benefits were front and center this week in front of the House Ag Committee, and work requirements were a big focus.
South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says none of the proposed cuts would hurt those who truly need the help.
“Do any of the existing work requirements impact pregnant women? Do any of them impact those with disabilities? Do any of them impact those people who live in areas with high unemployment?”
“No. Depending on how you define high, but yes, if high unemployment, no, the states can waive them.”
“Do any of them impact people who have young dependents at home? Okay, Mr. Chairman, I would observe that so much of the demonization that is done around work requirements have actually no evidentiary basis. With that, I would yield back.”
House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson says putting more able-bodied Americans to work is a win-win. Democrats largely pushed back on those changes. USDA found around $10 billion in overpayments were made to SNAP recipients in 2023, with some making those errors two years in a row.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
October 21, 2025 12:17 PM
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In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
October 21, 2025 11:57 AM
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Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
October 21, 2025 11:22 AM
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Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
October 21, 2025 11:06 AM
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Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.
October 20, 2025 03:45 PM
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The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
October 20, 2025 12:46 PM
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