| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| Republicans roll out text of farm bill without Democratic priorities | |
 | Senate Republicans unveiled the text of a sweeping five-year farm bill Tuesday afternoon that omits Democrats' stated top priority. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said in a statement that this legislation would "increase investments for rural communities and foster a more resilient agriculture sector." "I'm proud to put forward this discussion draft that reflects the input and priorities of Republicans, Democrats, and most importantly, rural America," Boozman wrote. "This bill is built for the people who feed America, and I look forward to continuing conversations with my colleagues about how we can best serve them and the communities they call home." The Senate bill is very similar to the lower chamber's version of this legislation, and it would expand resources for rural farmers and boost investment in federal farm loan programs. The Senate bill largely avoids controversial sticking points related to pesticides and animal confinement standards. |
| Trump Pledged a 'Golden Age' for Farmers. They Can't Access Help. | |
 | Gabe Alverson, a farmer in Polk County, Minnesota, used to be able to easily contact his local Department of Agriculture service center when he needed help. Now he can't. For farmers across the country, the Trump administration's federal workforce cuts have resulted in unreturned voicemails and signs on locked office doors warning visitors of staffing shortages. The resources they used to rely on for conservation programs -- reauthorized in the Republican-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act -- have become frustratingly difficult to access. "Before all the cuts, you'd get a call back the same day," Alverson said. Now, despite working on time-sensitive contracts, delays are routine, he said. "I left the message, and it took them two weeks to call me back because they just don't have any help." President Donald Trump made big promises to American farmers upon starting his second term, blaming Democrats for high input and equipment costs and saying a "golden age" was about to begin. Instead, farmers are struggling with difficult conditions and with high costs associated with the Iran war. The conservation program is yet another source of frustration. |
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