Students from Rockwall ISD Gene Burton College and Career Academy tackle the Farm Bill

Rockwall, TX (September 26, 2025) – Students in Rockwall ISD’s Gene Burton College & Career Academy are digging deep into today’s agricultural policies to better understand their impact locally, statewide, and nationally. Recently, a co-curricular team participated in the Agricultural Issues Forum, a leadership development contest, with the local USDA and Farm Service Agency offering insight on the farm bill, which has not been updated since 2018.

“This presentation was a significant milestone for our team and an important part of our advocacy and education efforts within the agricultural community,” said Cole Sawyer, Agriculture Science Teacher.

The students delivered their findings in a lively Family Feud-style format, debating whether USDA “safety nets” truly achieve their intended goals of supporting farmers through the risks of agriculture – and whether they are worth the cost to taxpayers.

The Farm Bill traces its roots to the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, which first provided crop subsidies and nutrition programs during the Great Depression. Over the decades, legislation has evolved with shifting priorities.

Findings from the students’ research included:

• Positive Impacts: The Farm Bill aims to provide for our national security by securing our domestic food production. Subsidies help stabilize farm income during years of poor weather or production, and they extend vital support to veterans, disabled individuals, and disadvantaged Americans through nutrition programs.
• Concerns: Students pointed out the heavy taxpayer burden – roughly $220 billion, with about 75% allocated to nutrition programs, some of which encourage unhealthy food choices. They also found that most subsidies benefit large corporate farms rather than smaller family farms, and that five commodities alone receive the majority of payments, keeping prices artificially steady regardless of demand.

In weighing both sides, students were surprised by the disparities they uncovered. USDA Farm Service Agency County Executive Director Renee Giesenhagen remarked afterward, “It is eye opening to see and hear how those not in the agency interpret the policies written by Congress and policy writers.”

With the goal of educating the community on current provisions in the bill, the team has presented to the Rockwall Lions Club, Rockwall Leadership Advisory Board, Rockwall ISD Superintendent’s Cabinet, and Rockwall Sheriff’s Posse. They will present to the Rockwall Young Farmer’s Club on November 19 at the Gene Burton College and Career Academy.

The experience not only sharpened students’ research and presentation skills but also gave them real-world insight into the complex balance between supporting agriculture and managing taxpayer dollars.

Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Courtesy photos.

  Agriculture, dr. gene burton college and career academy, Farm Bill, feature, Rockwall ISD, USDA