Farm groups praise senate approval of wide-ranging ag bill

After a marathon session, the U.S. Senate has passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a wide-ranging reconciliation package that delivers significant wins for agriculture, including strengthened safety net programs and expanded tax provisions.

The 51-50 vote was decided by Vice President JD Vance, breaking the Senate tie and sending the bill back to the House, where it’s expected to reach President Donald J. Trump’s desk by July 4.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall praised the bill’s passage, emphasizing its potential to bring much-needed certainty to farmers. “Improvements to farm safety net programs that reflect today’s agricultural economy and maintaining important tax provisions will directly benefit farm families,” Duvall said. He noted the toll of falling farm prices and high input costs, with more than 141,000 farms lost in five years. “Farmers will stand a better chance of enduring tough times so they can plant for another season.”

The legislation enhances the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, expands conservation and trade investments, and includes vital tax provisions to help farmers manage their finances and pass operations to future generations.

“We now urge the House to pass the bill and get it to the president’s desk for his signature to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers can continue putting food on the table for America’s families,” Duvall added.

Former Senate Ag Committee Chief Economist John Newton echoed these sentiments, pointing to the value of consistent farm safety net programs over unpredictable ad hoc assistance. “You get the certainty — you know when crop insurance is coming… You don’t know that with ad hoc program,” Newton explained, adding that the bill would “put more farm in the farm bill.”

The National Corn Growers Association and American Soybean Association also welcomed the bill’s provisions, particularly around tax credits like 45Z for clean fuel production, crop insurance affordability, and funding for trade promotion.

“The tax credit can help the biofuels industry make inroads into the aviation sector and attract investment into opening new markets for U.S. corn,” NCGA wrote. However, the group flagged concerns about the credit’s reduced value and shortened duration, which could limit its long-term impact.

ASA President Caleb Ragland similarly cited 45Z and expanded crop insurance as critical policy wins, noting that they will strengthen market access and support U.S. farmers.

Dairy producers applauded the Senate’s vote as well. “Dairy farmers are grateful for legislation that will create several key opportunities for dairy,” said National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud. NMPF highlighted several dairy-specific wins, including:

• Renewing and enhancing the Dairy Margin Coverage program through 2031
• Authorizing biennial USDA dairy cost surveys
• Making Section 199A tax deductions permanent for farmer-owned cooperatives
• Folding remaining IRA conservation funds into long-term farm bill spending
• Increasing funding for animal health and trade promotion programs

“The Senate’s legislation also positions these investments to benefit dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own,” said Doud.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined in urging swift House passage, citing the bill’s protections for family farmers, increased exemptions from the Death Tax, and investments in disease prevention and tax relief through Section 179 deductions.

With broad support from major commodity groups, the legislation is poised to reshape the agricultural landscape — provided it clears the final hurdle in the House and reaches the president’s desk by Independence Day.