Fighting agricultural chaos in Washington

My Week Lobbying for a New Farm Bill

In today’s world of unruly, vindictive politics, uncertainty worries the stalwarts of our economy: our farmers. Tariffs have radically destabilized the agricultural market and its supply chains. A shifting climate is moving the US breadbasket from south to north. Republican legislators, uncertain what their President might do next, and afraid of retribution if they support their constituents, have abdicated their responsibility to guide farmers thoughtfully to produce agricultural products our economy will need.

The US legislature is required to revise the “farm bill” every five years to provide financial and regulatory incentives for farmers. But the government simply extended the most recent Farm Bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, in 2023 and 2024, and let the bill expire on September 30, 2025. And now the government is shut down.

Dennis Kellogg, vice-chair of the Michigan Farmers Union, and I worked to prevent this, visiting nearly every Michigan Representative’s and Senator’s office, presenting our concerns directly to their staff, and fighting for policies that support and stabilize family and larger farmers. Corporate and “traditional” farms help feed our children, fill our grocery stores, and keep Michigan’s economy strong; more than economic value, farms and agriculture help stabilize and keep our country safe. These values are worth fighting for, they’re the bedrock of our midwest culture, they exude the strength and the resilience of all Michiganders, and demand that we constantly fuel the fires of our midwest economy.  

Why a New Farm Bill Matters Now

In farming, uncertainty is one of the highest costs. Without a long-term, renewed bill, agricultural programs become inconsistent with the broader economy, planning becomes harder, investment becomes riskier, and farmers suffer. Ultimately, this affects all of us, in higher food prices, and greater vulnerability to our enemies. A weakened agricultural base doesn’t just hurt local economies; it threatens national security. When a nation can’t feed itself or stabilize its food supply, it becomes dependent on foreign sources, a major issue China is currently facing, creating strategic risks and weaknesses, which extend far beyond the farm.

For example, due to the loss of Michigan's export market, because of the tariffs and the loss of our fertilizer imports (which economists predicted), traditional farmers can't grow, they can't sell, they've lost all their revenue. If our farmers can't grow food and we can’t import it, our grocery stores suffer, with less food on the shelves, prices will skyrocket.

What We Did, Who We Met With

Dennis and I hit the ground running. Over those days:

• We met in person with these Michigan Senators and Representatives: Senator Gary Peters (D), Representative Haley Stevens (D), and Debbie Dingell (D). Representative Stevens and Senator Elissa Slotkin’s (D) senior staff agree to meet Michigan’s 2nd congressional district farmers at an upcoming “Agricultural Forum.” 
• We had an off-the-cuff meeting with the Senior Legislative Director from Senator Ron Wyden (D, Oregon), who pledged full support for a Senate farm bill once it moves out of the House.
• Nearly all congressional offices, both Republican and Democrat, were courteous and receptive. A few raised good questions. Some offered help drafting key language.
• Two offices were hostile: Thomas Barrett’s office (R) was disinterested in talking, and Rep. John Moolenaar (R) of Michigan's 2nd District was the only Michigan member who refused to meet with us. A refusal which speaks volumes about his priorities: politics trumps constituent needs for John Moolenaar.
• Representative Tim Walberg (R), of Michigan’s 5th congressional district, was very receptive to our feedback about the tariffs, along with our discussions of the plight smaller, traditional farmers are facing in rural Michigan. The 5th district, similar to our 2nd Congressional District, is incredibly rural, with agriculture being its primary source or revenue; Rep. Walberg’s staff was welcoming and warm, and offered great opportunities for working across the aisle to help Michigan grow economically. 

Our Message & Key Priorities

Throughout our meetings, these were the main points we emphasized:

• Farmers need stability and predictability. Expecting a new Farm Bill every five years is the norm and required.
• Market access is collapsing. Our soybean exports, especially to China, have essentially gone dark due to tariffs. That’s a devastating blow—soybeans are among Michigan’s top agricultural exports.
• Input challenges are real. The tariff war isn’t just affecting exports, it’s disrupting imports too. Things like potash (fertilizer) from Canada have been severely impacted. Without reliable imports, farmers are forced to consider measures (like mining at home) that are costly and environmentally risky.
• Right to Repair. Farmers often can’t afford to wait for manufacturer support. They need legislative protections that allow them to repair their own equipment—tools, tractors, combines—especially when access is limited or cost prohibitive.
• Long-term policy, not emergency stopgaps. We encouraged Congress to ensure the next Farm Bill includes robust support for trade, for conservation, for rural infrastructure, and risk management tools (crop insurance, market supports, etc.).

What We Heard Back—and the Timeline

Here’s what we came away knowing:

• Many offices initially hoped a new Farm Bill could be passed by October 2025, but it quickly became clear that is unlikely. Based on feedback, most believe February 2026 is a more realistic timeframe—if leadership prioritizes the bill.
• Some believe it may have to wait until after the midterms, which is far from ideal, but better a well-crafted bill than a rushed one.
• Senator Wyden’s response was among the strongest—he and his team committed in writing to support a Senate version once the House acts.

Why This Is One of My Top Priorities

If elected to Congress for Michigan’s 2nd District, passing a new Farm Bill will be among my first tasks. I commit to:

• Walking office to office with the Michigan Farmers Union (and other agriculture stakeholders, like the Michigan Farm Bureau) every year, personally, to ensure Congress hears directly from those on the ground.
• Championing policy that protects farmers from market shocks, supply disruptions, and unfair trade practices.
• Ensuring that Michigan’s voice is loud and clear in crafting the next Farm Bill, especially on issues like Right to Repair, sustainable fertilizer access, and trade restoration.

Looking Forward

The next few months will be critical. Congress has major decisions ahead—balancing priorities like nutrition programs, conservation, trade, and rural development. The makeup of leadership, negotiations between House and Senate, and political will will all determine whether Michigan farmers see much-needed relief and policy stability.

To the farmers, ag businesses, rural communities, and supporters reading this: your voice matters. Write your Representatives. Call the Senators. Share your stories. The pressures of tariffs, input shortages, and uncertain trade aren’t just abstract—they affect your livelihood, your family, your community. When you raise your voice, you improve our food supply, reduce grocery prices, and strengthen our economy.

Benjamin Ambrose U.S. Marine Corps Veteran | Candidate for U.S. Congress (MI-2)Democrat | Integrity. Commitment. Trust.