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.
House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says the 2026 Farm Bill is bipartisan, with 82% of the bills incorporated into it receiving bipartisan support.
February 25, 2026 11:24 AM
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Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
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The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
February 22, 2026 03:00 PM
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Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses the latest Farm Bill proposal and the path ahead for Congress and U.S. agriculture.
February 19, 2026 01:28 PM
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Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
February 18, 2026 12:18 PM
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Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
February 17, 2026 12:16 PM
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