Key Takeaways

• Minnesota lawmakers discuss priorities for the “skinny” farm bill, focusing on conservation and higher farm loan limits amid political tensions.
• Democrats express concerns over SNAP cuts impacting support for the farm bill, while Republicans push for changes in USDA programs.
• A former USDA climate scientist announces her candidacy for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District amid a competitive Democratic primary.

Minnesota lawmakers and American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall are outlining priorities for the “skinny” farm bill, emphasizing issues like conservation and an increase in farm loan limits. However, lingering tensions between Democrats and Republicans stemming from the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $186 billion over a decade, complicate negotiations.

Representative Angie Craig, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, indicated that the significant cuts to nutrition spending create challenges for securing full Democratic support for the farm bill. “It makes it harder to get full Democratic support down the road,” she said, addressing concerns regarding future negotiations.

On the Republican side, Representative Brad Finstad has called for adjustments to the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), advocating for prioritizing contracts for the most vulnerable lands and reducing incentives for high-quality farmland. He believes this approach would mitigate competitive pressure on land rental prices. Meanwhile, Senator Amy Klobuchar, the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, emphasized the need to raise loan limits and restore some SNAP funding. She criticized the tariff policies from the previous administration, noting they could threaten agricultural markets and contribute to long-term instability.

Duvall remarked on the urgency of establishing fair trade deals for U.S. farm products, warning that without them, achieving sustainable farming operations will be increasingly difficult. Representative Michelle Fischbach defended the administration’s trade record, asserting that agriculture is a key focus in negotiations.

In addition to agricultural discussions, the political landscape is shifting as Megan O’Rourke, a former USDA climate scientist, has announced her candidacy for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. She aims to secure the Democratic nomination against several competitors for the November general election. Currently held by Republican Tom Kean Jr., the race is deemed “Lean Republican” by the Cook Political Report.

Other developments in the agricultural sector include the anticipated MAHA report, expected to recommend removing synthetic dyes from food while possibly promoting saturated fats and meat consumption. This has sparked debate around its implications for public health guidelines, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocating for state-level policy decisions instead of federal regulations.

Additionally, landowners in Iowa will soon receive revised right-of-way proposals from Summit Carbon Solutions, aiming to foster better relationships following previous tensions over CO2 pipeline projects. The company has secured approximately 75% of the proposed route in Iowa, despite facing obstacles in South Dakota regarding eminent domain laws.

Finally, progress has been made for the hemp industry as hemp seed meal has been recognized for use in animal feed, although regulatory challenges remain before it achieves full market acceptance.

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