From Progressive Farmer Farmers heading into 2026 are facing what congressional agriculture leaders repeatedly described as a “perfect storm” — high input costs, weak commodity prices, labor shortages and lingering trade disruptions. But top lawmakers from both parties say there is renewed urgency to complete some unfinished farm-bill work and potentially tackle agricultural labor reform. Read the rest of the ... Read More »
Tag Archives: Congress
Government shutdown ends, farm bill programs extended
From Farm Policy News Agri-Pulse’s Philip Brasher and Steve Davies reported that “President Donald Trump late Wednesday signed into law a measure to end the longest-ever government shutdown after 43 days, fully fund USDA and FDA for fiscal 2026, and end a bitter legal battle over this month’s SNAP benefits.” “The measure, approved by the House 222-209 Wednesday night after ... Read More »
National Farmers Union Appeals to Trump Administration
From Agweb.com On Oct. 15, National Farmers Union (NFU) sent letters to President Trump and Congressional leaders urging immediate action to provide economic relief for family farmers and ranchers facing worsening financial conditions. Read the article here. Read More »
Future of ‘traditional’ farm bill is uncertain
By Michelle Hennings Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers Happy Harvesting. This time of year reminds us that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance, and we appreciate the beauty of nature, the joy of hard work, and the power of gratitude! The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) has consistently advocated for a modernized farm bill. The current ... Read More »
WAWG thanks Congressman Newhouse for efforts to protect agriculture in reconciliation bill
The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) applauds Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) for his work as part of the House Agriculture Committee on the reconciliation bill that strengthens the farm safety net and modernizes agricultural policy. These measures will help ensure the continued success and sustainability of wheat farming in Washington and across the nation. A number of WAWG’s national ... Read More »
Billions of Dollars at Stake for Farmers Hit by Trump Funding Freeze, Pause on Foreign Aid
From Successful Farming Farmers across the United States are finding themselves in precarious economic positions, as they attempt to navigate a strained farm economy and a barrage of executive orders from the Trump administration that put some farm programs in limbo. In his first month in office, President Donald Trump has issued a flurry of executive orders to pause or ... Read More »
Legislation Reintroduced in the House to Increase MAP/FMD Funding
On Feb. 6, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) reintroduced the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025 to increase funding to the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) and help American farmers compete in global markets. “On ... Read More »
NAWG Testifies Before Senate Ag Committee hearing on Ag Economy
On Feb. 5, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President and Altus, Okla., wheat, cotton, and pasture-land farmer Keeff Felty testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry during the “Perspectives From the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part 1” hearing. “As I enter my 40th year in farming, the agricultural economy is facing ... Read More »
Impacts of Economic Assistance Payments
From farmdocdaily.illinois.edu In December, the U.S. Congress passed legislation that 1) continued the current farm bill into 2025, 2) appropriated $20.78 billion for disaster aid to farmers, and 3) appropriated $10 billion in economic assistance payments to farmers. This article discusses these impacts, with a focus on the $10 billion in economic assistance which is estimated to provide $42.51 per ... Read More »
Farm Bill Extension a Priority as Congress Returns
From Farm Policy News Progressive Farmer’s Chris Clayton reported Monday that “Congress returns this week facing a Dec. 20 deadline to approve a new funding resolution to keep the government operating, as well as potentially pass a disaster package and a farm-bill extension before wrapping up the year.” “Lawmakers will be negotiating the funding and provisions of a disaster aid ... Read More »
WAWG