Senate lawmakers are beginning work on the next phase of the 2026 farm bill after the House approved its version last week, setting up negotiations over commodity programs, conservation funding and livestock regulations. Farm groups are closely watching Senate discussions involving crop insurance, reference prices and livestock provisions tied to California’s Proposition 12 animal housing law. Ethanol organizations are also pushing lawmakers to include permanent nationwide access to E15 gasoline sales.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson said lawmakers hope to move quickly on final negotiations, though differences remain between Republicans and Democrats over nutrition spending and climate-related conservation programs. Agricultural economists say the bill comes as farmers continue facing lower commodity prices and elevated input costs. Commodity groups warned delays in passing a final package could create uncertainty for producers making planting and marketing decisions this year.
-NAFB