Farm Bill

The 2026 midterm election results are reshaping the political landscape in Washington, and agriculture is watching closely to see what the results mean for farm policy, congressional leadership and the future of the farm bill.

Sixth-generation farmer Sam Graves is preparing to leave Congress after 26 years, but says agriculture still faces a growing challenge in Washington: helping lawmakers understand what it takes to produce America’s food supply.

Both candidates grew up raising pigs on Nebraska family farms, but Gov. Jim Pillen and challenger Lynne Walz offer contrasting roadmaps on tariffs, property tax reform and rural economic growth.

As Illinois prepares to replace Sen. Dick Durbin, Democratic candidate Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Republican candidate Don Tracy and Independent candidate Whitfield Harrington lay out their competing visions for the Farm Bill, input costs and representing Illinois producers in Washington.

Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet discusses why he opposed the latest farm bill, his priorities for agriculture if he leads the Senate Ag Committee, and what it will take to restore bipartisanship on Capitol Hill.

With the lame-duck session looming, lawmakers scramble to mend a divided Ag Committee over SNAP funding as insiders predict another extension.

With debates over SNAP, Prop 12 and E15 heading to the full chamber, one Arkansas senator emphasizes bipartisan momentum to protect family farms.

USDA set new ARC/PLC enrollment deadlines this week and added 30 million base acres for 2026 and 2027. Economists say this gives farmers a clearer read on the programs, but warn against chasing whichever pays the most.