What Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ means for Alabama farmers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabama’s farmers said a reconciliation bill passed by Congress today would be a major win for agriculture in the state. But still, others said the bill will have consequences if it’s signed into law.

“We’ve got to get out here and get our stuff sold on the world scene,” said Shep Morris, farmer in Macon County.

With over 4,000 acres of farmland, Morris said his industry has weathered skyrocketing prices. But, when President Donald Trump signs his “big, beautiful bill”, Morris said that could change.

“The cost has exploded. At the same time, our stuff has not been sold on the world market. And so, the prices have been depressed. And, those lines have crossed and people are operating at a loss,” Morris said. “And, it’s really, really been horrific.”

Agriculture and Industries Commissioner, Rick Pate, said that loss might not be for long. Pate explained the reconciliation bill would raise reference prices for farmers. That means the federal government could help farmers sooner if they lose money when harvesting their crops.

“I’m convinced there’s enough young people that want to go into it if it’s profitable,” Pate said. “But, I say there’s no sustainability without profitability and so, nobody can continue to lose money year, after year, after year.”

Meanwhile, Alabama Arise’s executive director, Robyn Hyden, said SNAP could lose coverage if the bill is signed into law.

“We’ve looked at the savings that might result from, say, no taxes on tips or no taxes on overtime, which are short term policies in this bill,” she said. “People are still gonna be hit with higher healthcare costs and higher grocery prices as a result of this bill.”

Hyden said a lot of parts of the legislation were rushed in the process of getting it passed.

“So, we don’t think this was the appropriate process, or avenue, to pass a lot of these policies,” she remarked. “People, I think, are gonna be surprised when they start finding out everything that was rolled into this bill.”

Pate said the bill will make changes that farmers care about, and it’s important for agriculture statewide.