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.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
January 16, 2026 11:58 AM
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Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
January 15, 2026 01:36 PM
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Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
January 15, 2026 12:51 PM
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
January 13, 2026 01:31 PM
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Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
January 12, 2026 11:40 AM
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