Photo: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
WASHINGTON (KFGO) – The Senate Agriculture Committee approved a long-term farm bill on a party-line vote Wednesday, drawing mixed reactions across the Northern Plains as agricultural leaders urge lawmakers to bridge partisan divides before time runs out.
The legislation now heads to the full Senate, though its path forward remains uncertain.
Agricultural advocates welcomed several key provisions in the package, including year-round sales of E15 fuel, mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, and expanded credit limits. However, regional groups emphasized that producers desperately need federal certainty amid rising operational expenses.
“There are no shortage of challenges facing family farmers and ranchers,” said Matt Perdue, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, noting that a gallon of diesel currently costs more than a bushel of durum. “Time is running out to get this farm bill done. We need Congress to come together and pass a meaningful farm bill.”
U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., praised the committee’s passage of the measure. Hoeven highlighted several provisions he co-authored, including expanded Farm Service Agency loan limits, fertilizer storage financing, and crop insurance protections for producers impacted by the Fargo-Moorhead Diversion Project.
“This bill is all about preserving family farms and ranches, and providing the long-term certainty to help ensure the next generation of producers is able to continue to provide our nation with highest-quality, lowest-cost food supply,” Hoeven said.
However, Senate Democrats warned the legislation will stall on the Senate floor without substantial changes. U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., criticized Republican committee leadership for pursuing a partisan path and failing to delay cost-shifts within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Smith warned the current SNAP provisions would force Minnesota counties to absorb a $140 million administrative tax burden.
“Amid shrinking markets, tariffs and skyrocketing costs for diesel and fertilizer, farmers need Congress to negotiate a comprehensive, bipartisan Farm Bill that stands a chance of becoming law,” Smith said.
While Smith voiced support for shared priorities like E15 expansion, she cautioned that passing a bill through the full Senate will require both parties to return to the negotiating table.
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