The farm economy is in crisis but Congress is not rising to the challenge, more than 40 former agricultural leaders say in a letter today to the leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees. “The limited response by Congress does not match the extent and severity of the difficulties farmers are encountering every day.” “The Feb. 3 letter asked that you hold hearings on the farm crisis,” the signers said. In 2026, the increase in farm bankruptcies has intensified with a doubling of filings in the first quarter of 2026.” They also emphasize the importance of agricultural research.