TFB statement on Congress failing Texas farmers and ranchers

The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening regarding Congress’ inaction on a new farm bill following today’s expiration of the one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.

“Texas farmers and ranchers continue facing an unprecedented crisis due to low commodity prices, skyrocketing input prices, inflationary pressure and natural disasters. Congress has again kicked the can down the road on passing a new farm bill.

“The delay in passing a bill with an updated farm safety net is causing great uncertainty for hardworking Texas farm and ranch families, while in turn putting consumers and our national food security at severe risk. The continued inaction is troubling and should not be tolerated.

“We commend Chairman G.T. Thompson for passing the ‘The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024,’ out of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee in May of this year with a bipartisan vote. This bill makes historical investments in Title 1 Commodity Programs, and we ask Congressional leaders to pass the legislation by the end of this year.

“As we visit with Texas farmers and ranchers, it is obvious there will need to be short-term natural disaster and economic assistance, in addition to passing a new farm bill this year. Texas Farm Bureau remains committed to doing everything in its power to urge Congress to deliver the farm bill and assistance to producers they so well deserve.”

Texas Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau Federation, 49 other state Farm Bureaus and Puerto Rico Farm Bureau recently sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders expressing the need for a new farm bill and disaster assistance.