Farm Bill Delay Extends Uncertainty for Illinois Corn Farmers

The Agriculture Act of 2026 failed to obtain enough votes to pass out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today. Illinois farmers and the agriculture industry are left with uncertainty as the current extension is set to expire on September 30.

For Illinois corn farmers, the Farm Bill provides the framework for policies that manage risk, strengthen markets, and support long-term profitability. Without a new bill, farmers continue operating under temporary extensions while making operating decisions for the coming year.

ICGA Farm Bill Priorities:

Year-round, nationwide E15 – not historically germane to Farm Bill but included in some current Farm Bill proposals
Increased funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD)
Mandatory base acre update
Reforming crop insurance
Proposition 12 fix
Voluntary conservation programs
Fertilizer transparency
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding and provisions bipartisanship

“While we're disappointed the Senate Agriculture Committee did not advance a Farm Bill before the August recess, we understand there is still work to do,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, ICGA President and Maroa, Illinois farmer. “We want Congress to continue refining the bill to ensure it maintains the bipartisan support needed for passage. That includes strengthening key priorities for Illinois corn farmers while preserving important programs like SNAP that connect the Farm Bill from the people growing our food to the families who rely on it. Illinois farmers need the certainty of a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill before the current extension expires.”

ICGA thanks Senator Durbin for offering amendments like mandatory base acre update and the crop insurance reform, highlighting his longtime support for Illinois farmers.

ICGA continues to advocate for a strong bipartisan Farm Bill for Illinois farm families. As we continue to monitor the situation, be sure to sign up for our call-to-action advocacy system to voice your story to Congress.

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