The Senate Ag Committee has just announced it will hold a second hearing to examine the ag economy. They heard from farmers and ranchers this week, and now say they will hear from state Farm Bureau and ag directors next Thursday.
This week’s testimony included leaders of the nation’s largest ag groups. They all shared a sentiment of concern. Farm Bureau Zippy Duvall told lawmakers about the issues that caused him to lose sleep.
“What keeps me up at night is who’s going to farm in the future. 40% of the farmers is over the retirement age; 300,000 or less than 25 years old, and most of them have off-the-farm jobs to support their farming. I don’t know who’s going to be farming in the future if we don’t make an environment for agriculture that draws young people to afford to raise a family and create a home in rural communities and support that economy there. It’s why the farm bill is so important.”
It could be months before the Farm Bill sees any floor time as lawmakers are currently focused on the budget that must be dealt with by March. The current extension of the 2018 Farm Bill goes through September.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
March 11, 2026 03:34 PM
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Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
March 11, 2026 11:24 AM
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The bill has already cleared the House Agriculture Committee and is headed toward a full House vote, but the timeline for final passage remains unclear. But the question is, when exactly? Could it possibly be a nice little gift for Easter?
March 11, 2026 11:12 AM
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UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
March 10, 2026 03:57 PM
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National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.
March 10, 2026 01:44 PM
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USDA Under Secretary Richard Fordyce says the department stands ready to provide technical assistance with the Farm Bill if Congress requests it.
March 09, 2026 01:27 PM
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