U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson met with producers and agricultural leaders Saturday at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City to discuss the future of federal farm policy and international trade. The event was part of the “Motorcade for Trade” tour organized by Farmers for Free Trade, a nonprofit advocating for global trade’s role in supporting over 1 million U.S. jobs.
A central focus was the Farm Bill—officially the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018—which governs crop insurance, conservation, food assistance, and rural development. Though set to expire in 2023, the bill has received two one-year extensions, now funding programs through the 2025 crop year.
Johnson, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, helped draft a new version of the bill in 2024, titled the National Security Act of 2024. While it passed the House, it stalled in the Senate. Johnson said most of the legislative groundwork is already done, with 80% of the bill completed and hopes to finalize it by year’s end.
A key challenge has been balancing funding between farm safety nets and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Johnson emphasized that the new draft maintains SNAP benefits while strengthening disaster relief and crop insurance through alternative funding sources.
Trade concerns also dominated the discussion, with producers worried about declining soybean exports to China and the impact of tariffs. Michael Crinion of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action noted, “60% of our soybeans are exported, and right now, not a bushel is going to China.”
Questions arose about the legality of tariffs imposed by President Trump. Johnson responded that Congress had granted broad authority to presidents of both parties to enact tariffs during economic stress, allowing for swift action without waiting for new legislation.
Farmers for Free Trade will continue its 14-state tour over the next two months. Meanwhile, Johnson is working to introduce a new Farm Bill by October, prioritizing rural broadband expansion and research at land-grant universities.
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