Nebraska Farm Bureau and Congressional Delegation Warn of Looming Tax Hike If 2017 Tax Reforms Expire

Expiration of key provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could hit farm and ranch families hard

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:03am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting the elements of a Nebraska farm - a tractor, silo, and barn - in warm, earthy tones, conveying the uncertainty and disruption facing the state's agricultural community if tax reforms are allowed to expire.As Nebraska farmers and ranchers brace for potential tax hikes, the state's congressional delegation joins the call to extend key provisions of the 2017 tax reform law.Lincoln Today

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) and Nebraska's congressional delegation are warning that the expiration of key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) at the end of 2025 could lead to a major tax hike for families, businesses, and the state's agriculture sector. They are calling on Congress to extend these important tax reforms to avoid what they describe as a 'tax hike on working families'.

Why it matters

The TCJA made significant changes to the federal tax code that were especially beneficial to agriculture and other family businesses in Nebraska, including lower tax rates, higher estate tax exemptions, and greater flexibility in managing income and business deductions. If these provisions are allowed to expire, it could force some farm and ranch families to sell land or assets just to pay higher taxes, threatening the ability to pass down their operations to the next generation.

The details

Key provisions of the TCJA that are set to expire at the end of 2025 include the doubled estate tax exemption, the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction for pass-through entities, and bonus depreciation for equipment purchases. Nebraska Farm Bureau warns that the loss of these tax benefits would hit producers hard at a time when they are already facing high input costs and interest rates.

  • The TCJA was signed into law in 2017 during the Trump administration.
  • Many of the TCJA's provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025.
  • Congress must act before the end of 2025 to extend these tax reforms and avoid a tax hike on Nebraska families and businesses.

The players

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB)

A grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members.

Mark McHargue

The President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Sen. Deb Fischer

A U.S. Senator from Nebraska.

Sen. Pete Ricketts

A U.S. Senator from Nebraska.

Rep. Mike Flood

A U.S. Representative from Nebraska.

Rep. Don Bacon

A U.S. Representative from Nebraska.

Rep. Adrian Smith

A U.S. Representative from Nebraska and a member of the Ways and Means Committee.

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What they’re saying

“The uncertainty surrounding the future of these tax provisions is causing real concern. These reforms helped level the playing field for agriculture. Losing them would hit producers hard at the worst possible time.”

— Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau

“Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and small businesses benefitted greatly from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. With these tax cuts set to expire at the end of this year, Congress must come together to make these tax cuts permanent and help deliver for Nebraska's hardworking families.”

— Sen. Deb Fischer

“If the Trump tax cuts expire, Americans will see a $4 trillion tax increase. That will include Nebraska farm and ranch families. An average family of four making $80,000 would pay $1,700 more in taxes per year. We must extend the tax cuts. I'm proud to stand with Nebraska Farm Bureau in support of meaningful tax relief.”

— Sen. Pete Ricketts

“As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I have heard from farmers, ranchers, and other agriculture and rural development stakeholders about the benefits of TCJA policies. If successful TCJA provisions such as these are allowed to expire, Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and small businesses will face sharp tax hikes. We need to provide long-term certainty and renew TCJA to unleash growth.”

— Rep. Adrian Smith

What’s next

Congress must act before the end of 2025 to extend the key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are set to expire, in order to avoid a major tax hike on Nebraska's farm and ranch families, businesses, and rural communities.

The takeaway

The potential expiration of the 2017 tax reforms poses a serious threat to the financial stability and long-term viability of Nebraska's agricultural sector and rural economy. Extending these critical tax provisions is essential to preserving family farms and ranches, supporting small businesses, and ensuring the continued prosperity of the state's heartland communities.