The Missouri Legislature concluded its 2025 session with several key victories for the agricultural community, including a new health insurance option for farmers and ranchers.
Among the most impactful measures was Senate Bill 79, which allows the Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) to provide low-cost health plans tailored to its members.
Ben Travlos, policy director at Missouri Soybeans, called it a breakthrough session: “There were multiple priorities we’ve pushed for over the years that finally gained traction.” More than 2,400 bills were filed during the session, and agriculture remained a visible priority.
Expanded Health Coverage for Farm Bureau Members
With the passage of Senate Bill 79, MOFB is now authorized to offer affordable health insurance plans to its members. These plans are designed to fill the gap left by costly or unavailable coverage on the individual marketplace.
According to Jacob Knaebel of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, “Farming is a high-risk profession, and inadequate health insurance is one reason younger generations hesitate to return to the farm.” The newly approved health plans could be 30% less expensive than unsubsidized marketplace offerings.
Mark Feigenbaum of MOFB emphasized that this initiative comes at no cost to the state, adding, “We’ve worked three years to support farmers who fall through the cracks of current coverage options.”
Water Protection and Capital Gains Tax Reform
Water Preservation Act (SB 82)
To defend Missouri’s water resources, Senate Bill 82 prohibits water exportation without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. This measure introduces strict permitting protocols to ensure in-state control over water use, a vital resource for farmers.
Capital Gains Tax Elimination (HB 594)
A major win for agricultural families, this bill eliminates capital gains taxes on state income, encouraging intergenerational land transfers and reducing the financial barriers for young farmers to return to family farms.
Plant Pest Control and Research Funding
Senate Bill 105 – Plant Pest Regulations
The legislation requires all nurseries to verify they are not selling invasive or toxic plant species, including perilla mint and Sericea lespedeza, which threaten livestock and crop health.
$4M for Soybean Cyst Nematode Lab Renovation
Recognizing the need for pest control, lawmakers approved $4 million to upgrade MU’s lab dedicated to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) research. SCN affects 90% of Missouri’s soybean fields and causes annual damages exceeding $1.2 billion.
Veterinary Support and Wildlife Management
Missouri allocated $420,000 to launch a large-animal vet loan program to support rural veterinary services. Additionally, $2 million was provided for a black vulture mitigation program, aiding ranchers in protecting livestock from predatory birds.
Funds were also designated for two University of Missouri projects: a meat processing lab and a veterinary diagnostics facility, crucial for rapid responses to livestock disease outbreaks.
Setbacks and Missed Opportunities
Not all initiatives crossed the finish line. The Beginning Farmer Tax Deduction Program, which aimed to extend eligibility to trusts and LLCs, failed to pass but is expected to resurface next year. Other measures, such as Public Service Commission expansion and tax credit extensions for ethanol and cooperatives, also stalled.
Missouri’s 2025 legislative session marks a pivotal moment for agricultural policy. The introduction of MOFB-backed health insurance, coupled with water protection laws, capital gains tax reform, and increased research and veterinary support, positions the state to better serve farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
Though some efforts fell short, the momentum built this year promises stronger advocacy and policy breakthroughs in sessions to come.