Nineteen WFU members joined nearly 250 Farmers Union advocates for meetings with lawmakers and federal officials

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Nineteen Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) members traveled to Washington, D.C., this week for National Farmers Union’s annual Legislative Fly-In, joining nearly 250 family farmers and ranchers from across the country to call for a farm bill that meets the needs of today’s farm economy.

During the September 14-16 event, WFU members met with both of Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate offices and seven of the state’s eight U.S. House offices, along with several out-of-state congressional offices. Members also joined national briefings and meetings with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, and White House. 

WFU members shared firsthand accounts of rising input costs, trade disruptions and tariffs, market consolidation, and other pressures facing family farms and rural communities. They urged Congress to strengthen the farm safety net, restore fairness and competition to agricultural markets, invest in local and regional food markets, protect voluntary conservation programs, improve access to farm credit, and address the ongoing dairy crisis.

Members also voiced concerns about the administration’s recent decision to temporarily expand lower-tariff imports of ground beef by up to 300,000 metric tons. They warned that the decision could undercut U.S. cattle producers, making mandatory country-of-origin labeling more timely than ever. Consumers deserve to know where their beef comes from, and American ranchers deserve credit for the beef they raise.

“Our members stepped away from their farms and traveled to Washington because lawmakers need to hear directly from the people living with the consequences of federal policy,” said WFU President Darin Von Ruden. “Rising costs and weak markets have left too many family farmers wondering how long they can hang on. The 2018 Farm Bill first expired in 2023, and Congress has relied on short-term extensions ever since. Farmers need a robust farm bill that reflects the costs, risks, and market realities we face in 2026. Farmers have done their part by showing up and speaking plainly. Now Congress needs to do their job.”

The Fly-In coincided with movement on the 2026 Farm Bill. On September 16, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate version of the 2026 Farm Bill, on a 12-11 party-line vote. A vote by the full Senate is expected when lawmakers return in November after the midterm elections.

The Senate proposal includes several priorities WFU members advocated for during the Fly-In, including mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, funding for local food purchasing, and improvements to farmers’ access to credit. However, WFU continues to call for stronger action to address high input costs and low commodity prices, fully fund voluntary conservation programs, protect and enforce Packers and Stockyards Act rules, reverse cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and ensure dairy farmers receive a fair price for their milk.

The U.S. House adjourned early on September 16 for a campaign recess extending beyond the midterm elections. With the House and Senate advancing different proposals, the Senate must pass its bill and the two versions must be reconciled before final legislation can be sent to the president. WFU urges Congress to make completing a strong farm bill a top priority when lawmakers return.

Wisconsin Farmers Union is a member-driven organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors and civic engagement.