Farmers Lose Hope Waiting for a New Federal Farm Bill

By Scout Nelson

Farmers and producers across the country are losing patience as Congress delays action on a new federal Farm Bill. The last full bill, passed in 2018, expired in October 2023 and has been extended twice. The current extension ends this month, yet lawmakers show little progress on a replacement.

Producers argue that what worked in 2018 no longer fits today’s realities. Regulations, markets, and environmental challenges have changed. Many farmers say programs must be updated to reflect modern conditions and the rising costs of doing business.

Lance Perrion, a third-generation farmer from Ipswich, explains that government programs are outdated. He points to high operating expenses and market pressures. Despite adequate supplies of key products, he says prices stay high, often blamed on tariffs or other external factors, and do not match actual market conditions.

Farmers also stress the importance of continuing and improving programs that help young and beginning farmers succeed. These initiatives are vital for keeping the next generation in agriculture, but they require modern support.

While Congress passed some key provisions—such as crop insurance—under the reconciliation bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” many important elements remain unfinished. Robert Lee, a farmer from Kingsbury County, notes that nutrition programs like SNAP and local food procurement were left out because they could not be included under reconciliation rules.

Lee recently joined a farmer “fly-in” to Washington, D.C., to speak with USDA officials. He says he hears polite optimism but sees little real progress. After attending five such events, he admits his hope fades each year without a comprehensive solution.

With the current extension set to expire soon, farmers continue to call for a complete five-year Farm Bill. They want updated programs, stable markets, and strong support for the agricultural community before time runs out.