Cornyn Highlights Farmers’ Challenges, Resilience at AFBF Convention

Farmers and ranchers continue to embrace technology and innovation, stepping up and driving forward in sustainability efforts. But factors outside of their control—regulations, input costs, commodity prices and more—remain a challenge.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas acknowledged the resilience of the agricultural community while addressing pressing challenges, including the need for a new farm bill, in his speech at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention.

“Over the years, many of you have patiently shown me where government has helped and where it has harmed our ag sector, and recommended policies Congress can embrace to help ease those burdens,” he said. “Unfortunately, Congress has not always stepped up in a timely way.”

Cornyn, however, expressed optimism about new leadership in Washington and a renewed focus on getting critical legislation across the finish line.

“I’m embarrassed to say that Congress has not passed a farm bill on time since 2002,” he said. “There’s no question. We have to do better, and under new leadership, I believe we will.”

He acknowledged the toll of overregulation and environmental policies that often hinder agricultural operations.

“Many folks in Washington don’t understand the challenges you’re up against,” he said, pledging to advocate for policies that support, rather than stifle, the agricultural sector. “America’s supply of food, fuel and fiber depends on a successful and resilient ag industry, and nothing affects agriculture nationwide like the farm bill does. But it’s not just a farm bill that we need. That is just a minimum. Disasters seem to be coming at us more and more often.”

He underscored the importance of disaster relief, referencing the assistance authorized by the American Relief Act that provided funding to offset rising costs and natural disaster losses.

Cornyn noted that modern tools and techniques are setting new records in agricultural efficiency and productivity, but no amount of technology can account for the unpredictable weather and fluctuating market conditions.

“You are still at the mercy of Mother Nature,” he said. “You are well aware that operating costs have skyrocketed for everything from fertilizer to pesticides to fuel, and you have been forced to meet our nation’s needs with much slimmer, even vanishing, profit margins.”

But Cornyn said he is committed to working on behalf of farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

“I know your needs span a wide variety of topics—from preserving the farm safety net to addressing out-of-control input costs,” he said. “I’m committed to fighting on your behalf and advocating for your priorities in the upcoming farm bill and am glad that Republican leadership, including Chairman Boozman and Chairman Thompson, will prioritize getting this critical legislation across the finish line.”

Click here for more coverage of the American Farm Bureau Convention. (link to TFB news release when published)