New Analysis Reinforces Urgent Need for Additional Farm Support

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall highlights the urgent need for legislation expanding the bridge support program for farmers, reinforced by new analysis indicating the economic crisis in farm country is likely to continue this year.

“We are grateful for the aid Congress has delivered to farmers this year and do not take that for granted. But we are in an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. New Farm Bureau analysis reveals farmers are likely to face another very difficult year if markets do not improve. The sad reality is the climbing rate of farm...

Farmers Applaud Return of Whole Milk to Schools

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on President Trump signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law.

“Farmers applaud Rep. GT Thompson and Senator Roger Marshall for working to return whole milk to America’s schools, and to the president for signing the legislation today. The commonsense, bipartisan bill ensures children will have access to important vitamins, protein and other nutritients while supporting dairy farmers who need access to expanded markets for their product.

“America’s farmers as a whole are struggling with high expenses that outpace income. Finding a solution that benefits everyone without...

Agricultural Groups Sound Alarm about Farmers’ Future

Agriculture groups sound an alarm about the economic crisis in rural America in a letter sent today to Congress. 56 organizations representing a cross-section of agriculture signed the letter, sending a strong message to Congress.

The letter describes an existential threat looming over many farms, stating, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector. An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater, farm bankruptcies continue to climb, and many farmers may have difficulty securing financing to grow their next crop.”

Farm losses are the result of a multitude of challenges...

Proposed WOTUS Rule Brings Certainty to Farmers

Farmers need rules that clearly define federal jurisdiction of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The American Farm Bureau Federation today submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, detailing the impact WOTUS has on farmers and elements that must be included in the new proposed rule to ensure it can withstand future legal challenges.

“Farmers and ranchers support the creation of a legally durable rule that injects clarity into the regulatory process and does not leave landowners guessing what parts of their property are subject to regulation,” wrote John Newton, vice president of public policy and economic analysis...

Farm Bureau Welcomes USDA Approach to Regenerative Agriculture

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today commented on the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about a new Regenerative Agriculture Initiative that leverages existing programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), to advance regenerative practices.

“We value USDA’s acknowledgement that farmers have long practiced regenerative agriculture on their farms, both through federal conservation programs and on their own. Building on these efforts by leveraging existing voluntary and incentive-based programs to advance additional regenerative goals sounds like smart...

Farm Bureau: Farmers Grateful for Help Through Economic Storm

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement to provide financial relief and an economic bridge for America’s farmers and ranchers until benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reach the farm.

“Farmers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop, or shuttering a family farm.

“America’s farmers have been hit from every direction during this economic storm. They face the same high prices as all of...

Farm Bureau: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines

Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for your friends and family will cost less than last year, marking the third straight year of price declines. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of Thanksgiving staples that make up a classic holiday feast for 10, which is $55.18 or about $5.52 per person.

This is a 5% decrease from 2024. Three years of declines don’t fully erase dramatic increases that led to a record-high cost of $64.05 in 2022.

The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey...

Proposed WOTUS Rule Protects Environment, Respects Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed Waters of the United States rule.

“Clean water is a top priority for farmers and ranchers – we depend on it. We are pleased that the new rule protects critical water sources while respecting the efforts of farmers to protect the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with...

Farm Bureau Applauds Progress to End Shutdown

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the Senate vote to end the government shutdown and urged the House to act quickly.

"Farm Bureau commends the Senate for voting to end the government shutdown, ensuring that farmers and ranchers can continue to rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief to keep their farms running and also ensure Americans maintain access to food assistance programs...

AFBF Cautions Against Disrupting Fragile US Beef Supply

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the future of America’s beef supply.

“Farm families are no different from other American families. We feel the impact of higher grocery costs, but don’t get to set the prices. Meanwhile, farmers are suffering through an economic storm – expenses remain high, and cattle farms have been decimated by years of low prices, drought and the threat of the New World screwworm. They are just beginning to experience a fragile recovery...

Renewable Fuel Proposal Would Benefit Drivers and Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on an EPA proposal to reallocate renewable fuel production that will be lost to small refinery exemptions.

“Renewable fuels are an important tool in meeting America’s domestic energy needs. EPA’s proposal takes a positive step toward strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard and reinforcing the role farmers play in growing crops for biofuels. By addressing small refinery exemptions through reallocation, the agency is pursuing policies that promote energy independence through American-grown fuels.

“Farm Bureau urges EPA to adopt a full...

Farm Bureau Calls for Clarity in WOTUS

The American Farm Bureau Federation today asked for changes to the “Waters of the United States” rule to bring it in line with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court ruling, which called for more clarity in water regulations. AFBF submitted comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for recommendations.

“Considering drains, ditches, stock ponds, impoundments, irrigation ditches, and low spots in farm fields and pastures as jurisdictional ‘waters’ opens the door to regulation of ordinary farming activities that move dirt or apply products to...