Senate Agriculture and Tax Relief Bill Introduced

Funding for disease prevention and research , as well as extending key tax benefits crucial for producers' growth and stability

As most swine producers are already aware,The U.S. Senate has introduced its fiscal 2026 budget reconciliation measure called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” aiming to support agriculture and secure tax benefits for producers. This follows the House version passed in May.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) supports the bill, highlighting its importance for producer stability.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry proposed several key agricultural provisions. The bill includes $10 million per year (2026–2030) for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, $70 million annually for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and $153 million for the National Animal Vaccine Bank. These funds are meant to help manage diseases like African swine fever and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

In addition, $125 million will be available as grants to support the construction, renovation, and modernization of agricultural research facilities. The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program will receive $15 million annually from 2025 through 2031.

From a tax perspective, the Senate Finance Committee proposed extensions to provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Bonus depreciation, allowing full deduction of qualified property in the year of service, will be made permanent from January 19, 2025. The estate tax exemption would rise to $15 million per person in 2026 and adjust for inflation annually.

Section 179 expensing limits would increase to $2.5 million, phasing out beyond $4 million in property costs, with adjustments for inflation after 2025. Additionally, the 20% qualified business income deduction (Section 199A) would become permanent, instead of ending in 2025.

NPPC believes these investments and policy extensions offer critical support to agriculture, ensuring stability and long-term growth for farmers, ranchers, and the rural economy.