Farm Bill 2.0 Provides Additional Certainty to American Cattle Producers

New legislation includes key provisions to support the beef industry

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The House Agriculture Committee has released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, also known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has welcomed the provisions in the bill that strengthen agriculture measures and provide additional support for cattle producers.

Why it matters

The new Farm Bill legislation builds on the accomplishments secured by the beef industry in the previous One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB), further addressing the ongoing needs and challenges faced by cattle producers across the country.

The details

Farm Bill 2.0 includes important provisions to streamline voluntary conservation programs, protect grazing as a land management tool, address the critical shortage of rural veterinarians, and establish a pilot program to explore better options for direct-to-consumer sales of locally raised beef. These new measures will help ensure the success of cattle producers by improving the implementation of conservation programs, expanding access to credit and agricultural loans, amending veterinary grant programs, clarifying animal disease traceability eligibility, and establishing a five-year pilot program to increase consumer access to locally raised beef.

  • The House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson released the text of Farm Bill 2.0 on February 19, 2026.

The players

G.T. Thompson

House Agriculture Committee Chairman who released the text of Farm Bill 2.0.

Gene Copenhaver

NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer who welcomed the provisions in Farm Bill 2.0.

Ethan Lane

NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs who stated that the bill addresses the remaining legislative gaps facing animal agriculture.

National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA)

The national trade association representing the U.S. cattle industry, which has welcomed the provisions in Farm Bill 2.0.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate Chairman Thompson's leadership and diligent work to provide legislative answers to the ongoing needs of cattle producers.”

— Gene Copenhaver, NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer

“This bill is the culmination of the years-long Farm Bill process that addresses the needs of cattle producers which weren't included in the reconciliation bill last year.”

— Ethan Lane, NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs

What’s next

The House and Senate are expected to swiftly pass Farm Bill 2.0 to fill the remaining legislative gaps facing animal agriculture.

The takeaway

The new provisions in Farm Bill 2.0 demonstrate the ongoing commitment of policymakers to support the success and sustainability of the U.S. cattle industry, building on the progress made in previous legislation.