Baird: My priority in Congress is putting Rural America first 

By U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, Republican Party, Dist. 4 

Congress is overdue in prioritizing Rural America. Hoosier farmers, ranchers and growers are the backbone of American agriculture, yet they currently face outdated policies that fail to address their current economic challenges. 

I am focused on working with my Congressional colleagues and the president to deliver on our promises to Hoosier farmers by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passing a full Farm Bill reauthorization, and promoting agricultural research and development, including laboratory and infrastructure enhancements at land-grant universities to ensure our farmers remain at the forefront of American innovation. 

Nearly four years ago, I began hosting listening sessions with farmers in my district to discuss their needs and their concerns. Unfortunately, Congress could not pass a full Farm Bill in time last year to address these properly. This only created more uncertainty for our farmers. To rectify this critical error, I was proud to provide input and help pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which marked a generational investment in Rural America. 

Since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, production costs have increased sharply while commodity prices have fallen. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act reinvests in the farm safety net and expands crop insurance to support farmers during these challenging economic times. This historic bill also enhances livestock biosecurity to protect our nation’s food supply and combat diseases, such as the avian flu, that have devastated poultry farmers. 

This Big, Beautiful Bill additionally saves more than 6,800 family farms in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District from a Death Tax increase that creates a financial burden upon the generational transfer of the farm upon the death of the owner, making this bill a much-needed victory for Hoosier family farmers. 

Not every Farm Bill program could make its way into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, so it is incumbent on Congress to pass a full Farm Bill this year. This is a priority of mine, as well as a priority for House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. I am optimistic we can get a full reauthorization done this year to deliver for our constituents and our farmers across the country. Our farmers in Indiana cannot afford another delay. 

I also believe our farmers must remain at the forefront of American innovation. New technologies have revolutionized our agricultural industry. Precision agriculture has helped farmers to reduce pesticide use and waste, while GMOs can increase crop yields and nutrient density. 

Now, the rise of Artificial Intelligence has created a new path forward for precision agriculture, for better predicting severe weather, and for identifying diseases early, so farmers can better safeguard their crops and livestock. There are many exciting opportunities ahead for agricultural innovation, and I remain focused on securing America’s leadership in biotechnology and agricultural innovation to help our farmers thrive. 

Congress has a historic opportunity to show our gratitude to our farmers who feed and clothe our nation and finally put Rural America first. As a farmer myself, I will continue to ensure the voices of Hoosier farmers are heard at the highest levels of our federal government. 

Our agricultural industry is vital to our food and national security. I will continue to advocate for our farmers’ access to cutting-edge technologies and ensure our farmers receive the economic relief they deserve.