We just received some encouraging news for wheat growers and rural America. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson announced plans to move forward with committee mark-up and finish the House version of the Farm Bill in the coming weeks. After years of extensions and uncertainty, this commitment matters.
For farm families, the Farm Bill isn’t just another piece of legislation – it’s the foundation for long-term planning and business decisions. Farmers need clarity to make investments, manage risk, and chart a course for the future. Kicking the can down the road yet again would only prolong uncertainty at a time when the farm economy is already under significant strain.
The Farm Bill is about much more than farm programs. It drives agricultural research, innovation, and the information farmers rely on every day. Land Grant Universities and extension systems depend on Farm Bill support to deliver science-based tools to help growers improve yields, conserve resources, and stay competitive. When research and extension are strong, American agriculture is strong.
The bill also plays a vital role in rural communities. Farm Bill investments support local economies, schools, health care facilities, and infrastructure to keep rural America vibrant. A predictable, well-functioning farm policy is essential not only for farmers, but for the towns and communities that depend on a healthy agricultural sector.
This Farm Bill presents a real opportunity to address priorities important to wheat growers. As one example, it can seal the deal on moving the Food for Peace Program to USDA, ensuring this crucial humanitarian program is managed by agricultural experts and continues to move U.S.-grown wheat to people in nations needing food assistance. The Farm Bill can strengthen farmers’ access to innovation and modern tools, and reinvigorate agricultural research to enable the next generation of growers with the knowledge and technology needed to succeed.
While momentum is building, continued progress will require engagement from growers across the country. NAWG is calling on wheat growers to reach out to your elected officials – yes, even those who are already supportive – and urge them to advance a long-term Farm Bill. Supportive voices matter. Lawmakers need to hear clearly how farmers want certainty, not another extension.
NAWG and our member state organizations stand ready to help build more momentum throughout both chambers and across political party lines. Farm policy has always worked best when it’s bipartisan, practical, and focused on results for farmers. We encourage House leadership and the Senate Agriculture Committee to keep this process moving forward for the sake of an already struggling farm economy.
Now is the time to act. Wheat growers need a Farm Bill to provide stability, support innovation, and strengthen rural communities. Let’s finish the job and deliver the long-term certainty in agriculture America deserves.