U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says 2026 will be an important year for progress on ag policy.
The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield she’s had several recent discussions with House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn GT Thompson about the farm bill.
“My hope is we will continue to be able to get a full farm bill across the finish line,” she said Wednesday. “I would remind folks that many elements of the farm bill were in the working families tax cuts bill last year. We were able to extend some of the farm safety net programs. Market development programs for USDA, those were also included in that bill.”
Hinson says producers need the certainty of a new five-year farm bill.
“We do have more to do there to ensure that our farmers and our producers have the clarity and certainty they need to do their jobs.”
She also says she expects trade to continue to be a focus in the year ahead.
“Making sure we do secure even more trade deals for our producers,” Hinson said. “I had a great phone call just last week with (Treasury) Secretary (Scott) Bessent to talk about their continued negotiations with China. He assured me that he believes that they will fulfill their end of the deal.”
Hinson says Secretary Bessent has indicated China could match their soybean purchase commitments over the next three years.
