August break key time to influence agriculture policies
The August recess is a vital time for farmers and ranchers to connect with lawmakers and raise key agricultural issues. With the House recess starting July 25 and the Senate following on August 4, members of Congress will return to Washington on September 2.
Farm Bureau is calling on its grassroots members to meet with representatives, attend town halls, and invite lawmakers to farms. This face-to-face advocacy helps leaders understand how farm policies affect real producers.
The top concern remains the agricultural labor crisis. For decades, farmers have struggled with a lack of access to a legal, skilled workforce. Reforming broken guestworker programs and ensuring stable employment opportunities are critical to keeping farms running. As Farm Bureau leadership recently emphasized in a White House meeting, Congress must act now.
Equally urgent is finalizing a comprehensive farm bill. Farmers support continued investments in conservation, research, and risk management. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes strong improvements like modernized reference prices and tax provisions. Now, remaining programs must be reauthorized.
Farmers also need a say in discussions around the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. With a new report due August 12, it’s important to ground food and health policy in science and ensure agriculture’s voice is included. Farmers grow the safe, sustainable food that fuels communities, and public trust remains high.
Farm Bureau research shows that 90% of people trust farmers. This August, let’s use that trust to shape better policy by making our voices heard—in person and on the farm.
Photo Credit: american-farm-bureau-federation