And while the ag industry appreciates being included in the OBBB, the sector requires a standalone Farm Bill to accurately address the needs of U.S. farmers.
“While vital provisions to ensure long-term stability and competitiveness for U.S. agriculture were included in the budget reconciliation bill, it cannot and should not be a substitute for a full Farm Bill,” the groups wrote to Senate and House leaders on Sept. 11. “The full suite of programs across all Farm Bill titles are essential to the viability of our agricultural system and rural communities.”
Time is running out for lawmakers to complete this work.
The extended Farm Bill from 2023 is set to expire again on Sept. 30.
And the calendar for the House of Representatives indicates Dec. 18 as the last day before a holiday recess.
That’s why representatives and senators need to use its limited time left to give agriculture the support it needs.
“As we are now in the second half of 2025, we urge you to prioritize the development and passage of a Farm Bill 2.0 that fully reflects the evolving needs of American agriculture,” the letter states. “We understand there are many needs to address during the remainder of the 119th Congress, and limited floor time must be carefully prioritized. However, we encourage leadership in both chambers to devote the necessary resources to ensuring timely debate and action.”
Some members Congress are currently meeting with the ag industry.
Republican Senator Deb Fischer posted on X that she’s meeting with the National Farmers’ Union “to discuss the importance of passing a Farm Bill and how we can continue to support ag producers throughout Nebraska.”
Republican House Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks engaged with the Iowa Farm Bureau to talk about “Farm Bill priorities, Prop 12, biofuels, and trade,” she posted on X. “Iowa farmers feed and fuel the world, and in Congress I’ll keep fighting to ensure Iowa farmers have the tools and certainty to succeed.”
Democrats are highlighting cuts to food assistance program in the OBBB – about $186 billion over the next 10 years - and how that will affect farmers.
“Over and over again, I heard from farmers about how they’re bracing for these drastic SNAP cuts,” Rep. Jim McGovern said. “Why? Because you can only buy food with SNAP benefits. And who grows that food? Our farmers.”