Arizona Agriculture Connection-Ag Report 7.23.25

Ag Report: The Big Beautiful Bill Update, Policy Development, and Upcoming Events

As we delve into the complexities of agriculture today, it's essential to focus on key developments, challenges, and innovations that define the industry. Our discussion will explore significant themes and insights that have emerged over the course of the year.

Welcome back Arizona Aggies to another Ag Report edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection. We are in the throes of summertime heat here in Arizona, and while our state legislature is adjourned, there has still been plenty of activity to keep up with in federal news.

The one big beautiful Bill has passed and signed when it comes to agriculture, the allocated dollars total$65.6 billion over the next decade. The majority of that money, 59 billion, is focused on farm safety net enhancements. These include updates to Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, Dairy Margin Coverage, Crop Insurance, disaster assistance programs, Trade promotion, and Agricultural Research. It also includes a broad reauthorization of the farm Bill's nondiscretionary spending provisions, updating and funding many core agriculture titles through 2031. For a full breakdown of the agriculture provisions in the one big beautiful Bill, please visit HERE.

The USDA has launched Crop Loss Disaster Assistance for the years 2023 to 2024. This initiative is to offset crop, tree, and vine losses tied to natural disasters happening in the calendar years 2,023 and 2,024. Links to programming can be found HERE.

Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins has announced her focus on national farm security, stating our agriculture isn't just about putting food on the table, it's key to our independence. Her Make Agriculture Great Again plan includes seven key points:

1. Secure and protect American farmland

2. enhance agricultural supply chain resilience

3. Protect US nutrition safety net

4. Defend agricultural research and innovation

5. America first in USDA programs

6. Safeguard plant and animal health

7. Protect critical infrastructure.

   
   

In local news, the Ag to Urban Bill has been in the spotlight as Senator Shope's solution to city expansion has remained top of mind for everyone. Even through the adjournment of session, it will continue to be the focus of Maricopa County Farm Bureau as we advance through the policy development season.

On that note, our annual meeting is August 13th at the university of Arizona, Scottsdale Center. Be sure to get it on your calendar and RSVP HERE. Annual meeting is a yearly opportunity to gather and receive updates on Arizona's agriculture industry as well as issues of importance. Lunch will be served, so come hungry!

That's a wrap on this week's Ag Report. Thank you for tuning in today and remember, Farm Bureau has a place for you. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends on socials. You can also submit a topic you want to learn about on the Podcast page of our website. Remember to tune in every Wednesday wherever you listen to podcast, a huge thank you to Paloma Ready Mix and materials for supporting our agriculture producers and this podcast, Maricopa County Farm Bureau bringing you the stories of real families, real farms and real food.