Wisconsin Farm Bureau Advocates for Strong Farm Legislation

By Blake Jackson

The St. Patrick’s Day holiday is often associated with luck, but farmers cannot rely on chance to sustain their work. According to Brad Olson, President of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin farmers play a vital role in feeding the nation and safeguarding food security, which is a cornerstone of national security. A strong, modernized farm bill is essential to support these efforts.

Recently, the House Agriculture Committee celebrated the bipartisan approval of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Olson commended Chairman G.T. Thompson and committee members for their leadership, emphasizing that a clear path exists for moving forward. However, the Senate Agriculture Committee must now schedule a markup to ensure progress.

While Congress made some adjustments to USDA programs through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, critical farm bill provisions-tools that protect soil, water, and markets remain unaddressed.

Key updates from the 2025 legislation will not take effect until fiscal year 2027, leaving farms vulnerable. Farmers are already facing economic pressures from low crop prices, record-high input costs, and limited safety net payments, which totaled roughly $2 billion for the 2024 crop year.

Agriculture is a strategic resource, and few laws do more to stabilize America’s food supply than the farm bill. Since the last update in 2018, the sector has endured challenges from a global pandemic, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and high interest rates. The farm bill helps farmers manage these risks and maintain the steady flow of food to the nation.

Eighteen Wisconsin Farm Bureau members are currently advocating Capitol Hill to keep the farm bill a legislative priority. Everyone benefits from a secure food supply, and now is the time for citizens to share their stories and urge Congress to act. Luck may be celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day, but it cannot replace sound policy farmers cannot afford to rely on luck. Pass the farm bill.

Photo Credit: wisconsin-farm-bureau