The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its version of the 2026 farm bill on Wednesday, the Agriculture Act of 2026, marking a major step toward a new five-year farm bill after years of delay. The committee approved the measure on a 12-11 party-line vote, sending it forward for further action in the House and Senate. Below is a recap of the reactions of several prominent farm groups on what the advancement means for American farmers and ranchers moving forward.

American Soybean Association

“Advancing the farm bill out of committee moves Congress closer to providing the certainty and support farmers need. ASA appreciates the work of committee members to move this critical legislation forward.” – – Scott Metzger, ASA president.

Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, Inc.

“The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) appreciates the Senate Agriculture Committee taking the next step to advance the farm bill which includes provisions that make key policy improvements and address regulatory challenges within the Federal Crop Insurance Program. With implementation of these provisions, U.S. farmers will be better served by the public-private partnership that makes crop insurance the most efficient and effective component of the farm safety net.”

National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG)

“Wheat farmers have waited far too long for the certainty of a new farm bill, and today’s vote is an important step toward finally getting this legislation across the finish line. We applaud Chairman Boozman and members of the Committee for addressing many of the challenges facing wheat farmers and moving this legislation forward.

But committee action must not be the end of the road. Wheat growers are still facing stubbornly high input costs and prolonged global uncertainty, while operating under a farm bill that hasn’t kept pace with today’s economic realities. Senate leadership must bring the farm bill to the floor and pass it as soon as possible.

Congress spent the last four years debating the next ‘five-year’ farm bill. America’s wheat farmers need action now. The full Senate must build on today’s momentum, pass a comprehensive farm bill, and work with the House to deliver a final package to the president’s desk without further delay.” – Sam Kieffer, NAWG CEO.

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)

“We are pleased that the farm bill passed in committee and is one step further in the legislative process. Corn growers are in Washington this week, reminding legislators that the true finish line is for the farm bill and year-round E15 to become law this year.

The Senate farm bill would expand year-round consumer access to E15, which is important to farmers and the rural economy. It has the potential to significantly lower gas prices across the country while shoring up the nation’s energy security.

There is still work to be done. The 2026 corn crop is the most expensive crop we’ve ever planted, raised, and are now harvesting. The pressures on the ag economy only continue to mount. We encourage the full Senate to take bipartisan action to provide certainty in a worrisome time by voting to pass this legislation.” – Jed Bower, NCGA president.

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)

“America’s pork producers deserve a robust farm bill, which should come with protection from being forced to rebuild our barns every time another state decides it knows what is best for animal welfare.” – Rob Brenneman, NPPC president.

Read more Farm Group reactions from Wednesday’s farm bill news in Successful Farming.