After weeks of debate, the One Big Beautiful Bill got approval from the House and Senate.

 

“It delivers much-needed enhancements to the farm safety net, including higher reference prices that reflect the current agricultural economy," said Emily Buckman, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation.  "In addition, it invests in working lands conservations programs, it supports increased U.S. commodity exports, as well as provides additional resources to bolster our research capabilities.”

 

Comments From Farmers Helped During The Process

 

Agriculture will see a total $66 billion invested in the bill. Buckman said Farm Bureau member engagement was critical in getting the legislation passed.

 

"They described the current agricultural economy, the toll of extreme weather events that they've seen as of late, and the ongoing challenges of keeping farms in the family," she noted.  "First-hand accounts remind lawmakers just how important it is to ensure that there was support for farm and ranch families in this legislation.”

 

Now The Focus Moves To An Updated Farm Bill

 

While the legislation contains provisions beneficial to farmers and ranchers, Buckman noted there are other priorities Farm Bureau will work on before the current Farm Bill extension expires.

 

"This includes policy-related updates to programs across several fields of the Farm Bill, including conservation reserve programs, USDA broadband programs, and we're also looking to fund a fix for proposition 12," Buckman added.  "So, we look forward to working with the agriculture committees in the coming months to address the remaining farm bill priority."

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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