Farm Bill 2024

In 2023, U.S. farm bankruptcies hit a record low, thanks to high commodity prices and farm incomes. However, with rising costs and decreased revenues, 2024 may see a rise in filings. Meanwhile, farm bill discussions stall in Congress, and potential deportations of undocumented farmworkers could severely impact the agriculture sector.

Political wrangling stalls the new farm bill in Congress, with a proposed bill potentially increasing deficit spending by $33 billion. Amid a weakening farm economy, Amish farms in Lancaster County, PA, offer insights into surviving and thriving on a small scale.

Farmers and ranchers are concerned about passing a new farm bill this summer, a complex process involving eight legislative steps with only one completed so far. Meanwhile, H5N1 bird flu has spread to poultry and dairy herds, prompting efforts to develop an avian flu vaccine. A recent poll shows that American farmers strongly support conservation funding to address climate change impacts.