Momentum Is Building for Agriculture

Lately, farmers and ranchers have had no shortage of reasons to feel frustrated. We’re facing a tough economy, rising costs and prolonged uncertainty around key policies that shape our ability to plan for the future. But in recent weeks, we’ve also seen some encouraging progress.

From progress on the farm bill to new trade agreements and growing momentum for year-round E15, there’s been meaningful movement that shows agriculture’s priorities are being heard. It doesn’t mean the work is finished, but it does mean momentum is building, and that matters.

Progress on Farm Bill

Congress has taken an important step forward on the farm bill. Last week, House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson released updated farm bill text, and the committee is preparing to mark it up. We’re still reviewing the text of the bill, but this progress is welcome, and it shows momentum is real.

Farmers and ranchers have been waiting far too long for the certainty that only a new, modernized farm bill can provide. While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act included an essential and meaningful investment in the farm safety net, we still need a comprehensive farm bill that modernizes important farm programs. Critical policy updates in conservation, credit, research, rural development and other farm bill titles are still on the line, and delays only add more uncertainty at a time when agriculture can least afford it.

Since the last farm bill was passed in 2018, agriculture has weathered a pandemic, runaway inflation, rising interest rates and historic supply chain and market disruptions. At the same time, farmers are expected to produce more, adapt faster and manage more risk than ever before. Progress on the farm bill is encouraging, but progress only matters if it leads to passage. Congress must finish the job.

Progress onTrade

We’re also seeing positive movement on trade—and that’s good news for farmers, who depend on reliable export markets. The administration recently concluded trade agreements with Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala and Taiwan, along with announcing a new framework deal with India. These developments help expand market access, reduce barriers and create more certainty for U.S. agricultural exports. Just as important as reaching these agreements is making sure they are enforced, so farmers and ranchers see the full benefits of trade commitments.

Momentum on trade was also evident this week during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Senators highlighted how critical USMCA is to North American agriculture, supply chains and export growth. The hearing also covered the need to address unfinished business, including dairy access to Canada, as the agreement heads into its upcoming review process. Strong trade relationships matter, and it’s essential they continue to work for America’s farmers and ranchers.

Progress on Year-Round E15

Another encouraging sign is the continued movement toward year-round E15. Congress recently established the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council to advance legislation to deliver year-round E15.

From the moment the council was announced, Farm Bureau was ready to engage and ensure the farmer perspective was part of the conversation. Our staff quickly met with the council’s co-chairs to ensure agriculture has a seat at the table as solutions are developed. To help inform the council’s work, Farm Bureau also joined a broad coalition of E15 stakeholders on a letter outlining potential paths forward.

For farmers, timing matters. Year-round E15 would strengthen domestic demand for American-grown crops, expand consumer choice, and support energy security. Momentum on E15 is encouraging, and it’s crucial we keep moving forward and get this done.

Turning Progress IntoResults

Taken together, these developments show that engagement works. When farmers speak up and stay involved, it leads to real results. Now is the time for lawmakers to hear directly from the people most affected by these decisions. I encourage farmers, ranchers and everyone who cares about the future of agriculture to stay engaged and make their voices heard through our Action Center.

We’re seeing agriculture climb priority lists in Washington. Let’s keep that momentum going and make sure progress turns into lasting solutions that strengthen American agriculture for years to come.