A newly passed federal Farm Bill is drawing praise and criticism across New York, according to Spectrum News 1. The legislation includes expanded dairy support, crop insurance and rural broadband programs, but cuts conservation funding and changes pesticide rules.
New York Farm Bureau leaders backed the bill, saying it strengthens protections for dairy farmers and specialty crop producers. Rep. Josh Riley also supported the measure, calling it a major step for rural communities.
Other groups warned the bill could hurt farmers already struggling with high fuel, fertilizer and equipment costs. Cornell professor Becca Jablonski said cuts to conservation and soil health programs could hit New York farms especially hard, while Rep. John Mannion argued the bill failed to address inflation and tariffs squeezing farm profits.
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