Pulaski Times

Arkansas agriculture producers recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to pass a strong farmer-focused farm bill before the end of this year. The visit highlighted the anxiety among farmers across the country at this crucial moment.

For months, voices from across the industry—farmers, their advocacy organizations, and the agricultural banking sector—have warned of an impending crisis in rural America due to consecutive years of losses. The financial stress on row crop farmers is now evident.

Producers are struggling with increased costs for farm inputs due to inflation, doubled interest rates, and market prices far below production costs. The outdated farm safety net does not address these realities.

Congress must provide emergency assistance to address the economic losses associated with the 2024 crop. Many farmers are realizing record yields but are still not breaking even.

"We’ve seen previous ad-hoc assistance programs established in a period of weeks," stated one source, referencing past efforts during disruptions caused by COVID-19. "That level of timely and urgent response by Congress and the administration is once again warranted."

In southern states like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, many producers have harvested their 2024 crop but are losing hundreds of dollars per acre. These losses mean producers cannot pay their bills or secure operating loans for next year's crop.

"This has devastating ripple effects on rural businesses and communities," said another source.

"Emergency assistance does not reduce the need to make meaningful investments in the commodity and crop insurance titles of the next farm bill," added another advocate.

Congress is urged to pass a farm bill that meets this moment and delivers support needed for farmers to stay in business before 2024 ends.

"I know my colleagues want to ensure our farmers can continue producing safe, affordable, and abundant supplies of food, fuel, and fiber," noted a Senate Agriculture Committee member. Republican members have been vocal about this brewing crisis for months.

"I’m proud to be a voice for Arkansas farmers and ranchers," one representative stated. "Their calls for help have been heard, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues to pass an emergency relief package that helps them survive this immediate crisis."