Farm Bill Extended: Key Updates and Impacts on Farmers in 2024

Farm Bill Extended
Congress recently passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through March 14, 2024, which includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. The CR also provides $30.78 billion for disaster aid and economic assistance to farmers impacted by droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

Key allocations include:

• Up to $2 billion to support livestock producers.
• $10 billion for general economic relief.

Additionally, the resolution grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to issue block grants for farmers affected by Mexico’s failure to meet water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty (including Texas farmers along the Rio Grande).

Looking ahead, agricultural leaders are emphasizing the critical need for a modernized Farm Bill in 2025 to provide long-term stability and improved risk management for rural America. This legislation will be pivotal for our industry as we navigate workforce and resource challenges.