What's in the Big, Beautiful Bill for Agriculture?

July 31, 2025 | AgFocus-Ag Focus

At Security Bank, we know agriculture isn’t just a business, it’s a way of life for so many of our customers, neighbors, and friends. The recent Big Beautiful Bill brings some significant updates that could impact everything from crop insurance to disaster aid, tax planning, and even how you pass the farm down to the next generation.

We’ve taken time to break it all down, so you can focus on what matters most: running your operations with confidence. As always, our ag lenders are here to help you navigate these changes and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

AG Update: What's in the Big, Beautiful Bill for Agriculture?

Insights for Our Farm Families, Ag Businesses & Rural Communities

From the UNL Ag Economics team comes an important look at what’s packed into the new “Big, Beautiful Bill” that will shape agriculture for the next decade. We’ve summed up the highlights for our customers right here in rural Nebraska, because these changes matter on your farm, at your kitchen table, and in our small-town economy.

Farm Support Gets a Boost

$62 billion added to federal farm programs over 10 years.

Higher reference prices in PLC & ARC = better chances of payments during low commodity price years.

Up to 30 million new base acres eligible, based on planting history from 2019–2023.

Bank Tip: Review your farm’s planting records soon to prepare for these changes.

Stronger Crop Insurance

$6 billion added for crop insurance support.

Expect lower premiums, better coverage, and more options for extreme weather risks.

Bank Tip: If you’re financing next year’s crop, this is the time to rework your risk strategy.

Livestock Disaster Aid Expanded

100% compensation for predator losses.

75% compensation for disease or natural disaster-related herd loss.

$3 billion reserve fund to speed up emergency payments.

Bank Tip: Livestock operations should reevaluate their coverage option. More protection means more peace of mind.

Business & Estate Tax Wins

Section 179 expenses, bonus depreciation, and QBI deduction made permanent.

Estate tax exemption set at $15 million, good news for family farm transitions.

Bank Tip: If your farm is family-run, now is the perfect time to update your succession and estate planning.

Biofuels & Renewables—With a Catch

Clean Fuel Tax Credit extended to 2029.

Must use feedstocks from U.S., Canada, or Mexico—foreign sources excluded.

Solar & wind credits rolled back slightly.

Bank Tip: Considering renewable projects? Talk to our ag lenders about financing with the new guidelines in mind.

SNAP Cuts May Affect Rural Retail

$186 billion in cuts to food assistance (SNAP).

Tighter work rules and fewer enrollees, up to 3 million may be affected.

Could impact local grocers and rural demand.

Bank Tip: Keep an eye on how this affects local retail, especially grocers and food-based agri-businesses.

What This Means for You

Area	What it means
Farm Revenue	More predictable with new PLC/ARC and insurance.
Borrowing Power	Better disaster safety nets = stronger collateral.
Estate Planning	It is easier to pass the farm to the next generation.
New Projects	Some renewable energy efforts remain appealing.

Final Thoughts from Security Bank

This bill brings serious support for our ag producers, plus some ripple effects for our local economy. Whether you’re planning your next season, making herd decisions, or planning for the future of your operation, we’re here to help guide you through these shifts.

Want to talk through your options?

Our ag lenders are ready to meet with you. Bring your planting history, your ideas, and your questions; we’ll help you make the most of what’s coming.