Farm Bill

US lawmakers and agriculture industry watchers are turning their attention to a busy week in Washington, with farm bill politics at the center of debate. Agri-Pulse reports that the fuel outlook, including ethanol and biofuel policy, and the trade outlook for US agricultural exports are also in focus as negotiators weigh next steps on the long-stalled farm bill.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is pressing Congress to break the deadlock on the farm bill, which has been stalled past previous expirations. The organization argues that continued delays leave farmers without the certainty they need on crop insurance, safety-net programs, and rural support. Growers and agricultural groups are voicing frustration that lawmakers have not passed updated legislation despite repeated extensions.

Wisconsin farmers are calling on Congress to pass a new farm bill, saying they need certainty on crop insurance, support programs and long-term planning. With the previous legislation repeatedly extended, growers in the state say uncertainty over federal policy is making it harder to budget and invest. The issue is drawing attention in Washington as lawmakers face pressure to finalize the bill.

The US farm bill has lapsed, leaving federal farm, nutrition and conservation programmes in limbo as Congress races to pass a renewal before the deadline. Farmers and rural stakeholders are watching closely for signs of an extension or a new agreement, with the outcome affecting commodity support and food assistance nationwide.

New cost figures show onshore wind is the cheapest source of new electricity, with projects running $24 to $75 per megawatt hour, while utility-scale solar farms cost $24 to $96. Commenters argue that every other energy source raises consumer bills compared with wind, renewing debate over renewables versus fossil fuels.

The US Farm Bill is set to expire at midnight, and wheat growers are publicly calling on Congress to pass legislation before the deadline. The expiration leaves farm programs and support measures in limbo, and agricultural groups say delay creates uncertainty for growers planning crops and finances. Attention is on whether lawmakers will extend the current bill or advance a new one.

Lawmakers failed to pass a new farm bill by the deadline, leaving farmers without updated federal support as they face rising costs during harvest season. The lapse affects programs covering crop insurance, commodities and rural development. Growers, including those in farm-heavy states like Wisconsin, say climbing input and equipment costs are compounding the uncertainty while the bill remains stalled in Congress.

Senator John Boozman, a leading voice on agriculture policy, warned that Congress is 'in danger of losing the farm bill' as the election year complicates passage of the sweeping legislation that governs farm programs, crop insurance and food assistance. His remarks signal concern that partisan politics could stall or derail reauthorization of the bill.