Newton Warns Relief is Temporary Without New Farm Bill

Terrain Executive Head Dr. John Newton testified at Tuesday’s House Agriculture Committee hearing, emphasizing the need to pass a farm bill quickly. He noted that while the American Relief Act of 2025 provided over $30 billion in financial aid to struggling farmers, it was not a long-term solution. “I know firsthand that farmers would rather get their returns from the market, but in today’s farm economy, it’s ad hoc support that is propping up their incomes.” U.S. inflation-adjusted net farm income is projected to rise 26 percent to $180 billion, thanks in part to federal aid. However, Newton warned that these financial programs are only a temporary fix. “These economic margins are only a bridge until a new five-year farm bill can be authorized by Congress.” Newton will be in Grand Forks this week for the International Crop Expo.