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Congress Passes Relief for Farmers, NFU Calls for More

Dec 24, 2024
By Farms.com

NFU seeks better solutions amid ongoing agricultural challenges

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has responded to the House's passage of a continuing resolution that temporarily extends the 2018 Farm Bill, providing some economic and disaster relief to family farmers and ranchers.

NFU President Rob Larew expressed relief that the resolution addresses immediate needs but emphasized the necessity for more comprehensive solutions.

Farmers across the nation have been facing significant hardships due to extreme weather conditions, soaring input costs, and market volatility.

The resolution comes as a crucial aid, reflecting the efforts of Farmers Union members who have actively lobbied for this support.

Despite this, Larew criticized the resolution for not fully capturing the potential of a previously agreed bipartisan agreement.

This agreement would have introduced measures like nationwide year-round sales of E15 ethanol blends, promising to boost market opportunities for farmers, reduce emissions, and bolster domestic energy production.

The NFU continues to advocate for greater action, stressing that the temporary measures, while helpful, do not sufficiently address the broader challenges that persist in agriculture. The union calls for an end to congressional dysfunction and a renewed focus on sustainable and effective agricultural policies.


Trending Video

Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.