By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The latest census data and predictions of record farm income declines are signs that farmers and ranchers are facing uncertain futures without a modernized farm bill. That’s the message American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall shared with U.S. Senate leaders in a letter that urged them to set aside partisan differences to pass a farm bill.

“The statutory reference prices established in the 2014 Farm Bill have not kept up with the cost of production,” he said. “Of the five largest covered commodities, all are facing losses this year ranging from -$213.65 per acre for grain sorghum to -$45.47 per acre for soybeans. Prices for our country’s top three crops by acreage—corn, soybeans and wheat— have fallen by 36%, 24% and 35%, respectively, since their 2022 highs.”

Although market year average prices for 2024 are not yet finalized, they are likely to drop further.

“Few families could thrive, much less survive, by taking a 36% reduction in salary, but that is the reality for farm families across the country,” Duvall said.

In fact, Census of Agriculture data shows the number of farms in the U.S. declined by 141,733 from 2017 to 2022.

“There are clear economic warning signs of need in rural America. ‘My question is this: what additional evidence do you need to realize we are on the verge of a crisis in farm country?’” Duvall wrote.

He said the House Committee on Agriculture recognized these concerns with the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 by making significant investments in the farm safety net and urged the Senate to take action.

“Our farmers deserve stability and support, not uncertainty and delays,” he said.

The House version of the farm bill was passed out of the House Ag Committee in May.

Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and Senate Ag Ranking Member John Boozman have both released frameworks for a farm bill on the Senate side but have not yet released a text.

“By passing a farm bill that improves the farm safety net, provides resources to advance sustainability, and invests in agricultural research, Congress can help ensure the continued viability and success of American agriculture,” Duvall said. “I urge you to prioritize the needs of our farmers and rural communities by taking action when Congress reconvenes in September. We must enact a farm bill that provides the necessary resources and support to navigate these challenging times.”