Farm Aid

By delaying this long-awaited rule, USDA is prioritizing the interests of poultry companies over the needs of farmers, who have long called for increased transparency and fairness in the poultry industry. farmaid.org/issues/corpora…

It would prohibit companies from reducing farmer pay based on rankings, as well as increase transparency of contracts and prevent unfair capital improvement practices (requiring farmers to install expensive infrastructure without disclosures, for instance).

Farm Aid strongly opposes the USDA's proposed 1.5 year delay for the Poultry Grower Payments Systems and Capital Improvement Systems Rule, which was finalized in January 2025 after years of relentless advocacy by Farm Aid and other orgs on behalf of contract poultry farmers.

👀 Who owns the Heartland? New data reveals more than half of principal landlords having never farmed and a third now aged 75 or older. agweb.com/news/business/…

For beginning farmers, knowing where to find help can be just as challenging as farming itself. Minnesota farmer Pearce Jensen explains how Farm Aid's hotline and Resource Network serve as a critical entry point for those navigating a complicated and often overwhelming system.

An excellent piece: "The biggest barrier to entry for next-generation farmers isn't knowledge or training or work ethic; it's the historically high price of farmland. Young people need an agricultural economy that makes it easier for them to farm." nytimes.com/2026/03/12/opi…

Even before the war in Iran raised fertilizer & diesel costs, a majority of American farmers said they were "much worse off" or "somewhat worse off" than one year ago. Their biggest concern was the high cost of the essentials needed to plant their crops. nytimes.com/2026/03/12/bus…

Released in 2025, the audio series exalts the stories of Black farmers involved in a fight against the USDA that became one of the largest class action civil rights lawsuits in American history (Pigford v. Glickman). You can also watch directly at youtu.be/5DeqrSPf1Hc

In this recording of Farm Aid's monthly Breaking Bread series, we're sharing our conversation with shirlette ammons about her podcast series, Tending. farmaid.org/blog/breaking-…

The bill remains controversial and would likely be difficult to pass in the full House. A particularly contentious aspect of the bill is its protections for pesticide companies from legal claims about pesticides' health impacts. Learn more at farmaid.org/issues/farm-po…

House Agriculture Committee advances new #farmbill proposal In the early hours of March 5, 2026, after two days of debate, House Agriculture Committee members voted 34-17 to advance a new farm bill. Four Democrats voted with Republicans to pass the bill.

Alexandria Ward, our Farmer Services Network Manager made a few videos to bring you along on a trip to the recent Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference to show what they're like. farmaid.org/blog/watch-vid…

In order to connect with local producers and other organizations around the country, our team travels often and eagerly around the country, attending conferences, meeting with partners, and — when we are lucky — going on farm tours.

Farm Aid is a national organization, but farming is a pretty local business — from climate, topography, and soil types, to opportunities and resources for farmers that vary from state to state and county to county.

What's DBAN? It helps farmers, ranchers and foresters who are facing financial distress by providing one-on-one support that is tailored for their unique challenges. Learn more, and see other trainings, at farmaid.org/DBAN

Assistance from federal programs can make a world of difference for farmers after a disaster. As part of our Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network (DBAN) work, we recently hosted a training about current disaster programs available to farmers. farmaid.org/dban/navigatin…

Farming is beautiful, but farming is hard, and farmers are struggling. We asked folks at the @pasafarming Sustainable Agriculture Conference in February 2026 to share music and books that inspire them. You just might find something to listen to or read!

"When prices are where they're at, it gives you the opportunity to think outside the box. It's easier for farmers to go, 'Yeah, I should maybe try something different.'" ambrook.com/offrange/crops…

For February, we'll be in convo with artist, producer, writer, shirlette ammons about her acclaimed podcast, Tending, which depicts the harrowing fights of Black farmers against the injustice of the USDA. Join us Thursday at 12:30 eastern! farmaid.org/breakingbread-… 5/5

This year, Breaking Bread will dissect the meaning of social movements and how everyday people have engaged in the fight for justice as something that is owed, as opposed to something that's earned. This is the place the series begins. 4/5

This Thursday, Farm Aid is excited to serve up our second helping of Breaking Bread, our popular education Lunch and Listen series. 1/5