An updated farm bill is long overdue. Economic conditions have changed dramatically since the last farm bill became law in 2018, and Arkansas producers are anxiously awaiting action.

Arkansans understand agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy as well as a way of life. Our farmers, ranchers and foresters help feed, fuel and clothe our nation, yet they are facing some of the most difficult economic conditions in decades. Rising inflation, steep input costs and low market prices have created enormous financial pressure. For too many farm families, including those operating multi-generational farms, the path forward has become increasingly uncertain.

I heard these concerns directly from producers during visits across the state, in meetings with agricultural organizations and in testimony before for the Senate Agriculture Committee.

As Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, I have championed efforts to support them amid these challenges. The latest step – the release of draft legislation designed to strengthen agriculture, support rural communities and ensure The Natural State’s agricultural legacy remains strong for generations to come – is another important stride.

The bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026, will also be referred to as Farm Bill 2.0 and builds on the essential updates passed within the Working Families Tax Cuts. That historic law, supported by the entire Arkansas Congressional Delegation, enhanced commodity programs, expanded access to more affordable crop insurance, improved disaster programs and increased reference prices. We also invested in animal health programs and enhanced risk management tools our producers depend on during difficult times. Arkansas farmers should begin to realize these benefits this fall.

Those updates were shaped by the voices of farmers and ranchers who called for more farm in the farm bill. While they represented meaningful progress, the need to advance several remaining agricultural priorities is clear.

 Farm Bill 2.0 builds on that foundation. It strengthens local economies, improves quality of life and delivers critical investments in rural Arkansas. The legislation supports safe and reliable drinking water systems, expands broadband access to underserved communities, improves access to healthcare and helps make childcare more affordable. All are vital in helping rural communities maintain their populations and attract new opportunities.

The proposal also modernizes farm loan programs by increasing loan limits that no longer reflect today’s economic realities. Access to capital is critical and these updates will help ensure Natural State farmers have the tools they need to remain competitive.

I am proud that Farm Bill 2.0 will strengthen support for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and other 1890 land-grant institutions, ensuring they can continue educating the next generation of leaders, researchers and producers.

 Additionally, it also includes provisions championed by Congressman French Hill to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area in the Ouachita National Forest and transfer a vacant U.S. Forest Service property to Perry County for future education and economic development opportunities, including programs that support the University of Arkansas Extension Program and 4-H.

Further, Farm Bill 2.0 defends the security of our agricultural land, including by modernizing and strengthening reporting requirements under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, and bolstering USDA’s Office of Homeland Security, a priority championed by Senator Cotton.

No single proposal has all the answers, but this discussion draft is a solid start in the Senate to craft a package that bolsters American agriculture and secures a brighter future for family farmers.

 Arkansas farmers, ranchers and producers have always answered the call to do more to feed the nation. This legislation reflects our commitment to them. I look forward to continuing conversations with my colleagues to make sure we have the bipartisan support to get Farm Bill 2.0 across the finish line and to the president’s desk to be signed into law.