Congress passed shortly after the midnight deadline for a government shutdown a continuing resolution that includes provisions important to soy farmers, among them a farm bill extension and both disaster and economic assistance. Inflation, historically high input prices, falling commodity prices, and devastating storms have led to a lengthening rough patch for many U.S. farmers, including those who grow soy.
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association and soy farmer from Kentucky, said, “Congress has come through with a bipartisan solution that not only keeps our government open but keeps our farms going. While we of course had our hopes set on a new five-year farm bill in 2024, we are grateful for this one-year extension and will urge Congress to pass an improved farm bill in the new year. And, having economic and disaster aid in this critical piece—at a critical time for farm families—is also very appreciated, along with other provisions. We thank leadership for their ongoing and late-night efforts.”
Once signed by President Biden, the bill will keep government funding in place through March 14, 2025, and extend the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 for one more year through September 30, 2025. Additionally, the package includes approximately $21 billion in disaster assistance and $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers who have faced recent challenges. (statement Courtesy of ASA)
American Farmland Trust was pleased to see continued funding for the federal government and much-needed disaster relief and producer economic assistance included in the year-end package passed today by Congress. However, Congress’s failure to transfer the remaining Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) conservation dollars into the Farm Bill as part of this legislation represents a critical missed opportunity to invest in the long-term viability of our nation’s farmers and ranchers.
Conservation programs are popular, oversubscribed, and key to helping producers remain profitable and build resilience to extreme weather. For instance, cover crops and reduced tillage can lead to higher yields and reduce the risk of loss to drought and flooding, which benefits both producers and taxpayers. Conservation programs also protect irreplaceable working farmland and ranchland and support reinvestment in farm businesses. This is essential at a time when our nation is losing 2,000 agricultural acres a day.
By transferring the IRA dollars to build Farm Bill conservation baseline, Congress could have ensured additional conservation funding to meet farmer and rancher demand. Instead, as a result of its inaction, thousands of farmers and ranchers will be denied the ability to enhance their profit margins, protect their soil and land, and improve water quality for all of us. American Farmland Trust is grateful for the tireless efforts of Agriculture Committee leadership and other members of Congress to include the conservation funding in the year-end package. And we look forward to working with the new Congress to strengthen these programs and to ensure we seize the opportunity to transfer remaining IRA dollars into the Farm Bill for the sake of future generations. (Statement Courtesy of Farmland.org
On Saturday morning, after a hectic week of negotiations, Congress passed an end-of-year bill that includes a continuing resolution to temporarily extend current levels of federal funding until March to avoid a government shutdown. The legislation also includes an additional extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, disaster relief, and economic assistance for struggling producers. NACD called on Congress to provide much-needed relief for America’s producers and communities damaged by recent natural disasters, and we appreciate that these priorities were included in the final bill. Congress must pass these critical bills in a much timelier manner, without the imminent threat of shutting down critical government funding and programs. NACD and the conservation community are very disappointed that the legislative package does not include Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) conservation funding.
“NACD is deeply disappointed that the end-of-year bill does not include a bipartisan provision to integrate remaining IRA conservation funding,” said NACD President Kim LaFleur. “The failure to include conservation funding in an end-of-year bill forgoes an incredible opportunity, and unfortunately reflects Congress’ increasing inability to negotiate and pass bipartisan, common-sense solutions. We appreciate those lawmakers who prioritized this request and look forward to working with the House and Senate agriculture committees and congressional leadership to quickly pass a new farm bill that includes this priority.” (statement courtesy of NADCNET)
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President & CEO Daren Coppock released the following statement thanking Congress for averting a government shutdown, extending the farm bill, and securing relief to America’s farm community:
“ARA applauds efforts by Congress to pass a continuing resolution with economic assistance as well as a one-year extension to the farm bill to carry us into next year.
“However, the work on Capitol Hill is not finished. ARA and our members will continue to advocate for a 5-year farm bill that includes many of ARA’s priorities such as robust improvements to crop insurance, conservation programs and more. We need to secure a multi-year farm bill as early as possible in the next Congress to provide much-needed certainty for an ag industry reeling from economic hardships.” (Statement courtesy of ARADC.org)
Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), provided the following statement in response to Congress passing the American Relief Act of 2025:
“NAWG applauds members of both the House of Representatives and Senate for coming together to provide much-needed economic assistance and disaster relief for farmers nationwide. While this legislation also includes a one-year farm bill extension and short-term relief, it is not a replacement for a long-term farm bill. As we enter the 119th Congress, NAWG urges lawmakers to work quickly to pass a farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net and provides long-term certainty for producers and rural America.” (Statement Courtesy of Wheatworld.org)
Following votes from Congress on year-end legislation, National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement:
“Corn growers are deeply disappointed that a permanent, year-round E15 solution was not included in the end-of-year legislation package. This no-cost provision would have provided a market-driven solution to farmers experiencing low corn prices. We call upon legislators to address this matter quickly in the start of the new Congress and fix this issue once and for all. (Statement courtesy of NCGAinfo)
National Sorghum Producers (NSP) Chair Amy France, a sorghum farmer from Scott City, Kansas, released the following statement praising the Continuing Resolution (CR) passage.
“The National Sorghum Producers commends the dedicated efforts of agricultural advocates and bipartisan Congressional leaders in reaching an agreement to provide disaster and economic assistance while also extending the farm bill for one year. Including nearly $21 billion for crop loss assistance and $10 billion in economic relief offers much-needed relief for sorghum producers navigating ongoing financial pressure.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the members of Congress who ensured agriculture remained a priority within this critical CR.
“While we are disappointed that a provision for the authorization of year-round E-15 sales was not included, this package represents a meaningful step forward for agriculture. We deeply appreciate the leaders who worked diligently to make this relief possible.
“We also want to recognize the producers whose persistent advocacy played a key role in securing this vital assistance for our farms and rural communities.
“NSP is working tirelessly on behalf of the producers who are fighting to farm one more day. We look forward to tackling key issues important to our members in 2025, including E-15, a new farm bill and tax policies.” (Statement Courtesy of Sorghumgrowers.org)
