As the U.S. Congress inches forward on its budget reconciliation bill, farmers and agribusiness stakeholders are eyeing major implications for farm policy and international trade. What's going on? For those answers, Shaun Haney speaks with veteran D.C. policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer about the evolving political landscape and what it means for North American agriculture.
Wiesemeyer describes the reconciliation bill as “Farm Bill 2.0,” highlighting increased support for Title One crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton, alongside expanded crop insurance and a doubling of market development funds. “It’s a very farmer-friendly measure,” says Wiesemeyer, pointing out that failure to pass it could be politically disastrous for Republicans in 2026 elections.
The bill also incorporates a permanent extension of Trump-era tax cuts affecting estate planning and equipment depreciation. But what it doesn’t include — due to Senate rules — is the full scope of a new farm bill, leaving that effort to depend heavily on Democrats' willingness to negotiate.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has concluded its review of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program early, he adds, saying that several key groups, including the American Soybean Association, SIGMA (fuel marketers association), Iogen, and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), did not have the opportunity to provide their input as planned. Additionally, OMB has finalized its review of the RFS Program. These developments set the stage for imminent announcements on both the Set 2 rule and the partial waiver soon, he says.
Haney and Wiesemeyer also discuss Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins’ upcoming testimony. Wiesemeyer expects her to defend Trump’s ag and trade strategies vigorously, especially amid news of a tentative U.S.–China trade framework and looming issues like aggressive immigration enforcement in rural states. “Agribusiness is nervous,” he says, noting that even verified employers are being caught in deportation sweeps.
Rollins’ influence within the administration continues to draw attention. Wiesemeyer says that her work ethic and access to the president may put her in line for an even bigger role going forward.
For Canadian producers, these developments warrant close attention. From rising reference prices to shifting trade alliances, U.S. farm and trade policy continues to carry ripple effects here at home.
