Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert issued a statement following renewed calls from Senate agriculture leaders to include expanded agriculture assistance in the upcoming continuing resolution, as lawmakers work to prevent a lapse in federal funding and provide interim relief for producers ahead of a new Farm Bill.
The push for additional assistance comes as Congress relies on a continuing resolution to extend government funding while broader budget negotiations continue. Agriculture leaders have emphasized that without targeted support, many producers could face additional financial strain before updated Farm Bill programs are finalized and implemented later this year.
In her statement, Seyfert thanked Senate Agriculture Committee leaders for elevating producer concerns during a period marked by persistent economic headwinds. She specifically recognized the efforts of John Boozman and John Hoeven, noting their focus on addressing challenges facing both row crop and specialty crop operations.
“Farm Credit thanks Chairmen Boozman and Hoeven for championing expanded agriculture assistance. Many row crop and specialty crop producers continue to struggle because of economic and weather pressures outside of their control. This proposal will help farmers and ranchers until updated Farm Bill programs take effect this fall.
“Further, including increased FSA loan limits is an important step in ensuring farmers and ranchers can access credit to survive this downturn and expand their operations in the future. Farm Credit has supported increasing these loan limits since the beginning of the Farm Bill process. Farm Credit appreciates the Senators’ work on this vital provision and looks forward to working with FSA in leveraging this enhanced tool to strengthen farmers, ranchers and rural communities.”
Producers across the country continue to navigate elevated input costs, tighter margins, and lingering impacts from weather volatility, factors that have increased reliance on operating credit and refinancing options. Industry groups have warned that delays in Farm Bill implementation, combined with high interest rates, have intensified cash flow challenges, particularly for family-owned and smaller operations.
Within that context, higher Farm Service Agency loan limits are viewed as a key mechanism to help producers maintain access to capital. Increased limits can allow farmers and ranchers to better manage operating expenses, restructure existing debt, and invest in their operations during downturns, while also supporting beginning and expanding producers who may have fewer financing options.
Seyfert’s remarks also highlight the broader implications for rural economies, where reliable access to credit supports not only individual farms and ranches, but also agribusinesses, rural infrastructure, and local services that depend on a stable agricultural sector. Supporters of expanded assistance argue that bridging programs in a continuing resolution can help sustain rural communities until long-term policy updates take effect.
The Farm Credit Council represents the nationwide Farm Credit System, which provides consistent credit and financial services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. For more than a century, Farm Credit has worked to help rural America grow and thrive by supplying capital necessary for business success and financing essential infrastructure and communication services.
Additional information about Farm Credit and its mission is available at www.farmcredit.com.