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Senate Ag Committee drops skinny farm bill draft

Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman has released the Agricultural Act of 2026, which he says provides long-overdue stability to the industry.

“It will strengthen agriculture, support rural communities and ensure American farm families have the resources and tools they need for generations to come.”

During a call with reporters Tuesday, he said the skinny farm bill is built for rural America. “It modernizes USDA loan limits so producers can access the capital they need. The world is totally different now than it was in 2018 and certainly than it was in 2012. It continues investing in rural broadband and water infrastructure.”

It expands mental health care access, doubles funding for trade programs, creates regulatory pathways for biostimulants, strengthens foreign ownership disclosure requirements and supports local and regional meat and poultry processing.

The legislation doesn’t include language that would change animal confinement laws, pesticide regulations and nutrition programs. Boozman said the measure needs bipartisan support to achieve the 60-vote threshold.

It also doesn’t include nationwide, year-round E15 or an additional round of supplemental aid.

Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, says the draft is a good first step, but there are some areas that can be improved. “We really need a farm bill that needs to meet today’s moment. That includes finishing up year-round E15, to improving the safety net and to making investments that tackle input costs.”  

In a statement from Senate Ag Committee Democrats, the group says the bill does not address cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but are appreciative of the bipartisan provisions that are included.  

House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn GT Thompson says it builds on momentum from the House-passed legislation and is eager to work with Senator Boozman to get the bill signed.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the measure provides important support for farm families including improved access to credit, expanded investments in specialty crops, increased transparency in fertilizer markets, and enhanced research and conservation programs.

 Ted McKinney, CEO of NASDA, says finishing the farm bill is vital for the industry since it supports one-fifth of the U.S. economy.  

Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, says the organization supports the bill since it doesn’t include a repeal of state animal confinement laws.

Plant Based Products Council executive director James Glueck says the draft recognizes the importance of America’s agricultural bioeconomy.

Brownfield’s Brent Barnett contributed to this story.