Submit comment or question
Note: All comments are displayed with user's screen name. If screen name is not present, user's full name will be used. Please go to My Account to update your screen name.
Comment Policy: Urner Barry has made the comment feature available to encourage further discussion of our news stories. Defamatory or offensive comments, or comments deemed not relevant to the story will be removed, and if necessary, Urner Barry may restrict the right of individual subscribers to offer comments. In all cases, comments represent opinions of the poster only, and do not represent fact, news, opinions or estimates put forward by Urner Barry.
Email Address is required. Password is required.
Cattle Raisers Applaud House Passage of Skinny Farm Bill
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Stephen Diebel released a statement today on the passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 out of the U.S. House of Representatives:
“The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 delivers much needed measures for the agriculture community. While the One Big Beautiful Bill provided critical investments and tax provisions for cattle raisers, ensuring farm bill legislation is up to date with the current ranching and farming environment is critical for the longevity of the industry. We’re grateful to lawmakers...
FMI Welcomes House Passage of Farm Bill
Today [April 30, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of a Farm Bill that strengthens the U.S. food system, supports American farmers and ensures continued access to safe, affordable food for families nationwide. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement.
“The Farm Bill has long served as a cornerstone of our nation’s food and agriculture policy. At a time of ongoing economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges, it is critical that Congress works collaboratively to deliver a...
America’s Pork Producers Celebrate Victory & Express Thanks After Bipartisan House Farm Bill Passage
America’s 60,000-plus pork producers of all sizes, from all states celebrated House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill.
On an impressive, bipartisan 224-200 vote, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 included 100% of the National Pork Producers Council’s policy requests—including a very significant section that provides much-needed relief from the misguided California Proposition 12.
“Today’s House farm bill passage is a testament to the power of rural America when we stand up for our farms...
Farm Bureau Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House of Representatives vote to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
“Farmers and ranchers applaud the House of Representatives for passing a new, modernized farm bill. We appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson’s leadership to get this done. After three years of extensions and eight years since a farm bill was passed, we’re grateful the House found a bipartisan path forward. Important updates to research and conservation, as well as increased loan limits and clarity on interstate commerce, will...
We Need Congress to Support Rural America—Not Hollywood Voters—in the Farm Bill
A bipartisan coalition supports a farm bill that protects American farmers (and families seeking affordable food) from California’s overreach—but a handful of House members want to strip it out. They’re making claims that don’t match the record.
Meanwhile, America’s 60,000-plus pork producers need immediate relief from a disastrous patchwork of differing state laws spurred by California Proposition 12, a state law that forces pork producers outside the state’s borders to comply with arbitrary animal housing requirements.
Experienced farmers, credible veterinarians, the president of the United States, and state and federal government...
Farm Bureau Applauds President’s Call to Support Farmers
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on President Trump’s call on Congress to pass a farm bill and to provide market relief for America’s farmers and ranchers.
“Farm Bureau thanks President Trump for outlining action to deliver regulatory relief and for advocating for Congress to deliver much-needed certainty for farmers and ranchers working on behalf of all of America’s families.
“Farmers need a lifeline to make it through this growing season, and we appreciate the president’s support for including emergency assistance in the next funding bill. His call...
Grassley, Smith Introduce Legislation to Study Impact of Concentration in Livestock Industry
Senate Agriculture Committee members Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced the Livestock Consolidation Research Act, bipartisan legislation to support research into the economic impact of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers and consumers.
“Consolidation in the meat and poultry industry impacts Iowa producers and consumers alike, and right now, they’re feeling the squeeze. The current patchwork of available data...
Including Hot Rotisserie Chicken in SNAP Receives Bipartisan Support During Farm Bill Mark-Up
As the House Agriculture Committee worked to mark-up and approve the Farm Bill on Wednesday, members of the committee debated whether hot rotisserie chicken should be available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), after an amendment offered by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR). SNAP already covers cold rotisserie chicken.
“I want to thank Rep. Crawford and the committee members for their debate and bipartisan support for including hot rotisserie chicken in the SNAP program,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher. “Although the provision was ultimately not included in the bill, we appreciate the committee’s commitment to...
CRA Welcomes Farm Bill Progress
Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released the following statement after the House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
"The House Agriculture Committee's passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is an important step toward delivering the certainty American farmers, refiners, and rural communities need to succeed and thrive," said Bode. "Growing the American ag bioeconomy is not just a bipartisan, bicameral effort, it's a national security imperative and an economic necessity...
America’s Pork Producers Praise Bipartisan House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill 2.0 Passage
On behalf of American pork producers of all sizes, the National Pork Producers Council praised House Agriculture Committee passage of Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
Commonly referred to as Farm Bill 2.0, the legislation boasts relief for pork producers facing an imminent patchwork of state animal housing laws spurred by California Proposition 12, a state law that puts small farmers on the chopping block, increases the risk of industry consolidation, and undermines states’ rights.
“Pork producers of all shapes and sizes need this regulatory relief and are grateful for Chairman Thompson’s steady commitment to providing relief from state laws outside our...
Farm Bureau Applauds Bipartisan Passage of Farm Bill in House Ag Committee
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tonight applauds the bipartisan passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in the House Agriculture Committee.
“Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of Chairman Thompson and applauds supportive members of the committee on both sides of the aisle for recognizing that a new farm bill is critical as farmers face headwinds not seen in a generation. The farm bill has a ripple effect across the country by supporting the farmers who grow the food that stocks every kitchen pantry in America...
Farm Bureau Calls on House Agriculture Committee to Pass Farm Bill
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today commented on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
“Farmers appreciate the work Chairman G.T. Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee have done in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. It will provide much-needed certainty for farmers who are facing record high expenses and historically low crop prices.
“The bill updates important food and farm programs, enhances conservation efforts, bolsters assistance to specialty crops, and makes critical investments in agricultural research. We urge House Agriculture Committee members to...
Farm Bill 2.0 Provides Additional Certainty to American Cattle Producers
House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson released the text of Farm Bill 2.0 (the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026). The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomes the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB).
“We appreciate Chairman Thompson’s leadership and diligent work to provide legislative answers to the ongoing needs of cattle producers,” said NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer Gene Copenhaver. “Chairman Thompson’s bill includes important provisions to streamline voluntary...
Farmers Appreciate Release of House Farm Bill Text
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House Agriculture Committee release of its version of the farm bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
“Farmers appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for their work in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. The legislation is needed more than ever as America’s farmers and ranchers struggle through the worst economic storm in generations.
“We’re still reviewing the text of the bill, but it includes important updates to credit, conservation, research, and rural development programs, and calls for expansion of specialty crop programs...
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...
Farmer Sentiment Weakens, But Farmers Believe US Policy Headed in Right Direction
Farmer sentiment continues to weaken, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July. The barometer fell 11 points to 135 from June, a reading that resulted from U.S. farmers' weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points to 127 from last month, while the Future Expectations Index posted a smaller decline of 7 points to 139. Driving the weaker income prospects for 2025 were farmers' assessment of current conditions...
US Republicans Continue Push to Override California Animal Welfare Law
U.S. Republicans continued on Wednesday a years-long effort to override a 2018 California law that bans the sale in the state of pork from pigs kept in tightly confined spaces, arguing in a House Agriculture Committee hearing that the law is overly burdensome to farmers.
Proposition 12, which also sets housing standards for veal and eggs sold in the state, was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023 after a legal challenge by the pork industry.
President Donald Trump's administration sued California...
FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: New World Screwworm Cases Extend Into Northern Mexico
ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage Hits Record Seasonal Low Despite Varied Category Performance
ANALYSIS:Australia’s April 2026 Beef Exports Reach Fourth-Highest on Record Under Safeguard Pressure
ANALYSIS: Asia’s Beef Trade H2 2026 Outlook - Navigating the Redirection of Supply
ANALYSIS: Asia’s Beef Trade Q1 2026 Recap Amid Tactical Pivots and Safeguard Rush