Lubbock, Texas (RFD-TV) — Additional Farm Disaster Assistance in Year-End Congressional Debate
Agricultural policy consultant Tom Sell says discussions have included a roughly $12 billion agricultural assistance package, with some consideration of expanding support beyond that amount. He notes that producers are still facing financial strain from elevated production costs and market challenges.
Sell highlights persistent input expenses during the 2026 production season, along with tariff-related disruptions and foreign competition that have narrowed farm margins even as some commodity markets show signs of recovery.
The congressional debate is separate from the administration's recently announced $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief effort targeting high diesel costs. Sell mentions that some agricultural assistance is being pursued administratively, while other support requires congressional action.
He predicts that disaster assistance, the Farm Bill, and appropriations will compete for attention when lawmakers return for the year-end session.