Today’s Harvest Blog

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was signed into law over the July 4th holiday. The legislation, which passed the House on a 218-214 vote, generally extends, and in some cases amplifies, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for farmers. Today's blog is the first in a multi-part series explaining significant changes to agricultural safety net programs included in the bill.

Starting January 1, 2025, the New York State Paid Prenatal Leave Law requires all private sector employers in New York State to provide their employees with 20 hours of Paid Prenatal Leave each year.

As 2025 begins, the 119th Congress faces a busy start. Senate committees will hold nomination hearings for 24 cabinet-level positions, while Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warns of hitting the debt limit. The American Relief Act, 2025, extends government funding through March 14, 2025, and includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. Brooke Rollins is nominated as Secretary of Agriculture, amidst hopes of passing the Farm Bill early in the year to address the decline in farm income.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released its final decision for changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) on November 12. Now producers, and their coops have to vote to approve (or reject) these changes.