Boozman talks Senate farm bill process, priorities

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All eyes shifted to the U.S. Senate after the House passed its farm bill last week.

Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman says the Senate has different rules for its farm bill process.

“Because of the filibuster, we need 60 votes to get things passed,” he said. “We have the opportunity to lose some Republicans, and we have the opportunity to lose a bunch of Democrats. We’ve got to get probably nine, ten or more to vote with us.”

Boozman says about 85% of the farm bill was taken care of during reconciliation. Speaking with reporters during the NAFB’s 2026 Washington Watch, he said the Senate’s farm bill needs to increase credit limits.

“They don’t work anymore,” Boozman said. “If you are building a structure on your farm, those loans – because the costs have increased so much – just don’t work anymore.”

Boozman says the 2018 farm bill, which has been extended three years in a row, was based on 2012 data.

“The world is totally different now than it was in 2012,” he said.

The Arkansas Republican concluded by saying he’s confident the Senate “is going to get this done.”

AUDIO: Chairman Boozman addresses NAFB about the farm bill