Congress

Trade and tariffs have controlled much of the conversation across the farming community and in D.C.  But several commodity groups are trying to remind everyone that the Farm Bill is an issue that still needs to be addressed.  Samantha Parrott, Executive Director of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association says the Farm Bill is not just a want for growers, but a need.   “Sugar is ...

A large number of organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agricultural cooperatives, and industry stakeholders sent a letter to Congressional leaders regarding Section 199A in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.   “We urge Congress to permanently extend the expiring 199A provision within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017,” the letter said.   Section...

Is Social Security going broke?  That’s one of several myths out there about Social Security.  The AARP’s Sean Voskuhl said nothing could be further from the truth.   “Social Security will not run out of money, as long as workers and employers continue to pay payroll taxes," he said.  "It’s a pay-as-you-go system, but it doe...

AARP has voiced its strong support for the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act, urging Congress to swiftly pass the bipartisan legislation to protect the most vulnerable during emergencies.    Bill Sweeney, AARP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, sent a letter to lawmakers emphasizing AM radio’s critical role in emergency communications and its significance for older Americans. “Older adult

While much remains a mystery about the 119th Congress, most of farm country is looking forward to the future with optimism.  However, one area that still of concern, at least for the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Environmental space; more specifically the EPA.  Courtne...

Republicans representing rural districts say they are confident that a Farm Bill will be passed within the first couple months of the year.  So, why is the GOP so confident they will replace the 2018 Farm Bill well ahead of the September deadline?  Re...

Researchers are still projecting negative returns for grain producers even after assistance from Washington D.C., highlighting the extent of the downturn in the agricultural industry.  American farmers and ranchers have access to $10 billion in economic aid as part of the Farm Bill extension passed at the end of 2024 to offset broad income declines.  However...

While the 2018 Farm Bill has been extended, maintaining funding for a host of farm programs and projects, many in the agriculture community feel that Congress doesn’t appreciate, or doesn’t care about the needs of farmers.  Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse is one of a handful of farmers currently serving in Congress.   “Ag Country is fee...

Most eyes are focused on the Farm Bill, or lack thereof, but that is not the only issue farm county needs to watch as 2024 draws to a close, and we start a new year.  Mary Kay Thatcher, Senior Manager Federal Government and Industry Relations for Syngenta, said taxes will be a topic of note early in 2025.   “...

Republican governors have written Congress on the urgent need to update the 2018 Farm Bill.  In the letter, the state leaders emphasized how the agriculture industry has experienced high inflation, high input costs, high interest rates, catastrophic weather events, natural disasters, regulatory uncertainty, and a growing agricultural trade deficit.  High in...