Farm Bill Race Ends in Lame Duck as Congress Turns to January

The 2018 Farm Bill expired more than three years ago. Lawmakers in Washington are now racing to close that legislative gap before the current Congress adjourns for the year. The clock is ticking on a series of critical deadlines that could determine the fate of agricultural policy and energy standards for the next two years.

The primary obstacle remains the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Disagreement over the cost-share structure between states and the federal government has stalled negotiations. Democrats are pushing for a two-year delay on certain changes. Republicans have offered a one-year delay. Duane Simpson of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives notes there is room to negotiate around the one-year figure.

Simpson expresses high confidence that a deal will be reached this year. He describes the odds as 80-20 in favor of passage. He argues that attempting to pass the bill in the final two years of a presidency with a new Congress is difficult. He believes if it is not done in the current lame duck session, it will likely wait another two years.

Jeremy Zwinger, president and CEO of Farm and Trade Inc., offers a more cautious view. He warns that passing a Farm Bill may become difficult under the next Congress. He notes that President Trump retains veto power and that political dynamics could shift. He predicts the new Congress will focus more on food stamps than on protecting the agricultural system.

The 2026 midterm elections have concluded. Lawmakers are preparing to return to Washington with limited time to address these priorities. The new Congress is scheduled to be sworn in on January 3. This date marks the start of a new legislative session with a different composition of members.

Several legislative options exist for addressing the Farm Bill before the new Congress convenes. Lawmakers could add the remaining provisions to a year-end package. They could attach them to other legislation. Alternatively, they could approve a fourth extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. Each option carries different implications for the agricultural sector.

Year-end negotiations also present an opportunity to advance nationwide year-round E15 sales. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association says the industry is exploring all available legislative avenues. He points to the government funding deadline as a key driver for these discussions. The government runs out of appropriations on December 11.

Bredenkamp notes that a spending package must come together to avoid a lapse in government funding. He identifies the National Defense Authorization Act as another potential vehicle for E15 legislation. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley says E15 provisions could be attached to the defense spending bill. That bill also remains unfinished as of now.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is preparing to work with incoming lawmakers. Hunter Ihrman says the group plans to meet with new members of Congress to discuss cattle industry priorities. He describes the process as a return to school for the industry. The team will travel to Capitol Hill to meet new members face to face.

Ihrman emphasizes the value of in-person meetings in D.C. He states that the most effective work is done by sitting across a table and having a conversation. The association plans to drop off business cards and strike up conversations with new members. They will also hold educational events to discuss specific facets of the cattle industry.