By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas farmers and ranchers are calling on Congress to pass a new farm bill as rising costs and market pressures strain the agricultural economy.

Farmers are currently operating under an extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, and that leaves them navigating today’s challenges with outdated policy.

“Farmers have been operating without the certainty of a long-term farm bill since 2023. Producers are facing low commodity prices, rising input costs and inflation,” Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) President Russell Boening said. “It’s time to deliver stability and modernize farm policy.”

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson hopes to have the committee’s version of the farm bill on the House floor for a vote this week.

The committee passed its version of the farm bill earlier this spring in a 34-17 vote following more than 20 hours of debate.

“It is clear that the policies of 2018 are no match for the challenges of 2026 and an update to the 2018 Farm Bill is long overdue,” Thompson said.

The proposed legislation includes provisions not addressed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including improvements to conservation programs, expanded trade promotion efforts and updates to farm credit programs. It also includes provisions to strengthen rural broadband and support innovation through technologies like precision agriculture.

“This legislation is about providing certainty for farmers and ranchers while investing in the future of rural America,” TFB Associate Director of Government Affairs Laramie Adams said. “From strengthening risk management tools to expanding access to credit and conservation programs, this farm bill is critical to keeping Texas agriculture competitive.”

Without a new five-year farm bill, farmers are left without the certainty and stability needed to plan ahead.

The U.S. has lost more than 160,000 farms since 2017, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, highlighting the need for updated policy to support those who remain.

“Without action, farm families risk losing access to critical programs that support their operations and communities,” Boening said. “Passing a modern, five-year farm bill is critical to protecting the future of American agriculture.”

Texas farmers are encouraged to contact Congress and urge passage of a modern, five-year farm bill through AFBF’s Action Center.