Lawmakers are moving closer to advancing a long-awaited farm bill, with agricultural lenders emphasizing the urgency of getting a full reauthorization across the finish line this year. Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert says the current push in the House marks a critical step forward. “We feel very strongly we’ve got to get a farm bill done this year, we’re optimistic.” Seyfert says modernizing credit programs is a top priority as production costs continue to climb. “It’s more expensive to farm in 2026 than it was in 2018 when the farm bill was last reauthorized, and so it makes sense to include that,” she said, pointing to updated loan limits and expanded financing tools for rural infrastructure as key provisions. She adds that financial stress in farm country remains a growing concern, with rising input costs and market pressure weighing heavily on producers. Seyfert says access to credit, along with support resources, will be essential as farmers navigate ongoing economic challenges.
