Just a couple of weeks ago at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, I reminded members that it’s going to take all of us stepping up in 2025 to drive agriculture forward. After a record number of grassroots contacts last year nearly fifty thousand texts, calls, emails, and letters I am confident that we are ready to work with leaders and lawmakers in the year ahead.
The past few weeks have already been a whirlwind. When we heard talk of tariffs on our largest export markets, we launched into action, engaging with White House staff and reaching out to the president about the likely consequences of tariffs for farmers and ranchers, who always get caught in the crosshairs of trade disputes. At the same time, we expressed appreciation for negotiations with Mexico and Canada that led to the tariffs being put on hold for 30 days.
Farmers and ranchers understand the importance of security and fair trade, and we remain hopeful that trade disruptions will be minimized while new markets for agriculture are opened. There have been very few new trade agreements in the last decade, and U.S. agriculture is now facing a trade deficit of $32 billion. This is a stark contrast to the historical agricultural trade surplus, which averaged $12.5 billion over the past ten years. Expanding agricultural trade has also been shown to benefit the overall economy, with every $1 of U.S. agricultural exports generating over $2 in additional domestic economic activity.
Trade will be a key focus when I testify before the Senate Agriculture Committee this week, along with another critical issue the need for action on a new, modernized farm bill. While the disaster assistance Congress approved at the end of 2024 is a much-needed relief for farm and ranch families, temporary measures are not a long-term solution. We cannot afford to keep kicking the can down the road with an outdated farm bill that fails to meet the needs of today’s agricultural economy.
The farm bill isn’t the only pressing issue for agriculture right now. Farmers, ranchers, and many other small businesses are bracing for what could be the largest tax increase in American history if Congress does not act on critical tax reform legislation this year. Lawmakers have pledged to prioritize extending expiring tax provisions, and we will hold them to that promise. A stable business environment is essential to helping farms and ranches continue to provide food, renewable fuel, and fiber for this country.
Labor remains one of agriculture’s greatest challenges, and finding a solution must be a priority. Many farms are struggling with severe labor shortages, and options are running out. We are urging Congress and the administration to work together on meaningful solutions that support a reliable workforce for agriculture.
There is also much happening in Washington with nominations and confirmations for key positions. As cabinet and agency roles are filled, we will ensure that the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard. Just this week, we welcomed the advancement of the nomination for the next Secretary of Agriculture. Strong leadership in this role is vital, and we look forward to working with the new secretary and their team in the days and weeks ahead.
Across the country, farmers and ranchers are stepping up to make a difference at the local, state, and national levels. The power of collective action has been proven time and again, and together, we can ensure a stronger future for agriculture.
