From the Desk of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall

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It’s been eight years since Congress passed a farm bill.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us the House of Representatives finally took a big step toward helping farmers.

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The pressure on farmers continues to mount with a combination of high expense costs and historically low commodity prices.

We need a new, modernized farm bill.

Much has changed since the last farm bill passed in 2018 – a pandemic, global unrest, inflation, weather disasters, and the list goes on.

We’re pleased that the House passed its version of the farm bill.

It’s a major step forward.

We urge Senate leadership to build on that momentum and prioritize the passage of the critical legislation.

An investment in America’s farmers and ranchers is an investment in all of America’s families.

And, the urgency in which help is needed in rural America cannot be overstated.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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The farm economy is struggling.

But, in this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us there are opportunities for new markets here in the U.S.

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Farmers and ranchers are suffering through the toughest economy in a generation.

A number of external factors are squeezing farmers to the breaking point – low commodity prices, global unrest, and high expenses.

But, there are ways to boost the farm economy… and the answers are here at home.

Year-round E15 would increase demand for corn by approximately 50-percent.

The Buying American Cotton Act would incentivize domestic production and sales of U.S.-grown cotton.

And, the Grown in America Act would provide tax credits for businesses that purchase agricultural products from U.S. farmers.

All of these would create real, sustainable demand for American products.

We urge Congress to invest in America’s farmers by creating strong and dependable markets for their products.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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The conflict in the Middle East is hitting farm fields in America.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us rising costs are putting fertilizer out of reach for most farmers.

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An alarming number of America’s farmers say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year.

Farm Bureau conducted a nationwide survey this month and found 70-percent of respondents say fertilizer is so expensive they won’t be able to buy what they need.

The conflict in the Middle East sent fertilizer and fuel prices soaring.

Our survey showed that many farmers have not purchased all the fertilizer they’ll need for this planting season, and they’re now exposed to sharply higher fertilizer and fuel prices.

Without necessary fertilizers we’ll face lower yields and reduced planted acres.

We’ve shared this information with leaders in Washington.

They must find solutions so farmers can continue to feed families across America.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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The recently released Feeding the Economy report shows just how important farmers and ranchers are to the financial success of America.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall tells us approximately 20-percent of economic activity starts at the farmgate.

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What we do on our farms doesn’t stop at the farm gate. It reaches every American.

According to the latest Feeding the Economy report, agriculture supports $10.4 trillion in economic activity.

That’s about one-fifth of the U.S. economy.

It also supports nearly one in three jobs across the country.

But right now, farmers are facing tough conditions.

Costs are high, markets are uncertain, and the math just isn’t working anymore.

In some cases, we’re seeing production decline.

This isn’t just about food. It’s about whether the jobs and the economic strength tied to agriculture stay here in the U.S.

That’s why we need policies that keep farmers farming here at home.

Because when agriculture succeeds, we all succeed.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.