Senate Ag Committee

The Senate and House each have their own Committee proposals for President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. There are some key differences in each that could impact farmers and ranchers.

The move would increase biomass-based diesel requirements, from 3.35 billion gallons in 2025 to 5.61 billion gallons in 2026, supporting American row-crop growers in the process.

A chief concern is whether glyphosate will be targeted by the report, which is expected to be unveiled on Thursday. A number of farmers have voiced concerns collectively and individually this week.

The senior senator from Iowa wants E15 approved for year-round use, fair and tariff-free trade, plus more action and a lot less talk regarding tax cuts and budget reconciliation efforts in the Senate.

Tara Smith, executive vice president of Torrey Advisory Group, joins the Top Producer podcast to discuss being an advocate for ag in Washington D.C., the future of the Farm Bill and the importance of crop insurance.

The Senate kicked off quietly as the House steals the spotlight to start 2025. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) plans to pass individual appropriations bills and a farm bill as well as focus on regular order and extended floor debates.

The CR includes nearly $110 billion in disaster and farmer aid, which includes $10 billion in farmer aid and $21 billion ag disaster aid. $2 billion of that disaster aid is specifically for livestock producers. The measure also includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.

While it’s unclear how Congress will push through the Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act, it’s likely going to be via the Continuing Resolution. Depending on how payments are calculated, farmers could receive $101 per acre for corn, $53 for soybeans and $73 for wheat.

A trifecta of high input prices, high interest rates, and depressed crop prices have Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) bringing focus to the economic stress for farmers.