AFBF Reminding Farmers To Talk With Lawmakers

The farm economy in 2026 is picking up where 2025 left off, and as farm country continues to struggle, Ag groups are calling on Congress to act.  Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said many farmers are underwater financially.

“Farmers are facing extreme economic pressure right now," Glenn said. "They're dealing with low commodity prices, elevated input costs, and ongoing market uncertainty, and this sustained pressure has led to losses approaching $100 billion nationwide, across the farm economy.”

Glenn said farmers and ranchers are grateful for the economic assistance in the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, but it’s only a first step.  The Farm Bureau led a coalition in sending a letter to Congressional leaders outlining the need.

“We called on Congress to act immediately to provide economic support to fill in the gap of remaining losses," Glenn said.  "And, in addition to short-term assistance, Congress must pass year-round E15, which will support the farm economy and long-term farm viability.”

Farm Bureau members have sent over 12,000 urgent messages to Congress outlining the severity of the situation, and Glenn said farm country needs to keep those messages coming.

“As lawmakers consider the government funding package by month's end, it is critically important that they continue to hear from farmers across the country about these priority issues, the need for economic assistance and year-round E15,” he added 

If you're interested in sending your elected officials a message, visit the Farm Bureau's Website, they've made it easy to contact leaders in Washington D.C.

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