A contentious markup for the ag committee

In the markup of its budget reconciliation bill, the biggest point of contention is a $300 billion whack to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson made two points: SNAP is not working, and the farm safety net needs to be strengthened. “I assume my colleagues need reminding of contemporary farm bills, where farmers were stripped of billions in exchange for additional funds in nutrition or where nutrition saw a 1% decrease in the deficit reduction exercise of 2014, yet farmers had to face an astonishing 25% cut.” In her opening statement, Ranking Member Angie Craig said the Republicans on the committee should be ashamed. “The instruction to this committee was to find $230 billion in cuts to SNAP, but that wasn’t good enough for the extremists in your party, so tonight, you’re cutting more,” said the Minnesota lawmaker. “You know a traditional farm bill is not a priority for your leadership. If it were, we would’ve seen it on the House floor in the last session of Congress. The cut you are proposing to SNAP tonight would be the largest rollback of an anti-hunger program in our nation’s history.” The bill passed on a party-line 29-25 vote in the committee.

NMPF recognizes House action

The National Milk Producers Federation is praising the House Agriculture Committee’s reconciliation proposal for including key support for the dairy industry. NMPF President Gregg Doud says the bill provides critical investments that will create opportunities for dairy and offer long-term certainty for farmers. The package extends the Dairy Margin Coverage program through 2031, updates production history calculations and funds U.S. Department of Agriculture dairy plant cost surveys every two years. It also supports trade promotion, conservation, research and animal health efforts. NMPF also backs a provision in the broader package to make the Section 199A tax deduction permanent for dairy cooperatives.

Farmers want “markets, not mailboxes”

Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad wants Washington to take swift action to address the growing uncertainty in agriculture. Finstad, a farmer himself, emphasized that farmers are not seeking handouts but need stronger markets to support their operations. “Challenges on the market side, our inputs have continued to grow year-over-year. I don’t think I’ve seen a year in my farming life where a bag of corn is less expensive or fertilizer is less expensive.” He stressed the importance of stable markets for long-term farm viability, saying, “We want to farm for markets, not mailboxes.” Finstad is also frustrated with the repeated farm bill delays. “We’re living in extensions. Thanks be to God, the 2018 farm bill was pretty good because that’s what we’re living under now, under another extension. But it’s time for us to get our work done.”

“Do your work”

Nearly 100 farmers took time away from the planter this past week to bring their message to Congress. The National Farmers Union ‘Week of Action’ is focused on passing a 5-year farm bill; legislation strengthening the farm safety net; promoting voluntary conservation programs; and delivering support for farmers and consumers. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish admits it may be a big lift in the current political environment. “We’ve gotten into more partisan politics, and you can blame both sides of the aisle,” Wertish said. “We really need to come back together and figure out how to get things done.”

Labeling proposal criticized

The American Dairy Coalition has submitted comments to the Federal Register on the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed Healthy Labeling Rule. That rule calls for front-of-package labeling for saturated fat, sodium and added sugar. The dairy coalition said the rule discriminates against nutrient-dense natural foods, like real dairy products. The ADC said the front-of-package label will only confuse consumers and reduce consumption of nutritious products, like cheese and yogurt.

Milk output forecast to increase in ‘26

According to the May USDA supply and demand report, milk production is expected to be up in 2026, driven by a larger milk cow herd and slightly higher milk production on a per-cow basis. Dairy product prices are forecast to be lower for butter, nonfat dry milk, cheese and whey. The Class III milk is projected to increase in 2025 and drop off again in 2026.

Cattle market vulnerable to sharp correction

Cattle prices continue to push into record territory, but Van Ahn and Company Marketing Specialist Steve Witt warns the market may be nearing a tipping point: “Labor shortages are keeping the packing plants running at limited capacity.” Witt cited recent days when cattle slaughter was under 100,000 head “and at times, at peak capacity, they’re around 125,000–126,000 head, so the limited supply is definitely affecting the cutouts.” Risk management strategies are advised. Witt added that the biggest question going forward is how long consumers will continue to pay elevated prices.

Farm Aid coming to Minnesota

The 40th anniversary Farm Aid concert will be held in Minneapolis this fall. In a statement, Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson said they’re coming to Minnesota “to fight for a food system that works for all of us.” The all-star event will be held Sept. 20 at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

Mental health advocate to retire

Minnesota Agricultural Mental Health Specialist Ted Matthews plans to retire at the end of June. Matthews has spent more than 30 years in this role. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said Matthew’s “impact on rural mental health in Minnesota can’t be overstated.”

Ibach joins Midwest Council on Agriculture

The Midwest Council on Agriculture has added Greg Ibach as a policy advisor. Ibach is a former USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs and former Nebraska agriculture director. Ibach joins MWCA founder and former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson.

Trivia challenge

The average American consumes 128 pounds of fluid milk per year. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, when is National Cheeseburger Day? We’ll have the answer in our next edition of the Dairy Star.

Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two sons, Tony and Sam, and five grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.