Russell Boening, a full-time farmer and rancher from Wilson County, Texas, has issued a strong call for Congress to prioritize the passage of a new farm bill, highlighting the dire economic challenges facing farmers today. According to Boening, farmers are currently experiencing the worst economic downturn since the 1980s, with a recent USDA report revealing a staggering 23% drop in net farm income since 2022 [c616bdf2]. This alarming trend has resulted in the loss of 141,733 farms and 20 million acres of farmland over the past five years [c616bdf2].
Boening criticized Congress for its failure to prioritize the farm bill, noting that a letter from all 50 state Farm Bureaus, sent on September 20, 2024, went unaddressed [c616bdf2]. He emphasized that without legislative action, the entire economy and food security of the nation are at significant risk. The FARM Act, proposed by Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS), is seen as critical for providing much-needed economic assistance to farmers during this challenging time [c616bdf2].
In a broader context, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has also been vocal about the need for a bipartisan Farm Bill, which she believes is essential for supporting farmers, families, and rural communities [e427041d]. Stabenow has pointed out the interconnected challenges faced by rural areas, including healthcare access, mental health services, and the impact of climate change on farming [e427041d].
Adding to the urgency, the National Cotton Council (NCC) has expressed strong opposition to any supplemental spending package that does not include short-term assistance for farmers. NCC Chairman Joe Nicosia has urged Congress to negotiate for economic support, highlighting that producers could face losses of up to $300 per acre due to high production costs and low prices [287a6982]. The NCC warns that failure to provide support could lead to farm closures in 2025, significantly impacting the rural economy [287a6982].
The urgency of Boening's message is echoed in the discussions surrounding mental health and homelessness among veterans, as highlighted in a recent panel discussion by The American Legion. The panelists emphasized the importance of community partnerships and collaboration among federal agencies to effectively address these pressing issues [01a77e6c].
As the agricultural sector grapples with these challenges, it is clear that the need for legislative support is more critical than ever. Both Boening and Stabenow advocate for a comprehensive approach that not only addresses the immediate economic needs of farmers but also considers the broader implications for rural health care and community well-being. The call to action is clear: prioritizing farmers over politics is essential for the sustainability of agriculture and the security of food systems in the United States [c616bdf2].