U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman met with Campbell County Farm Bureau members at their annual meeting on Sept. 23 to provide updates on federal policy affecting Wyoming’s agriculture, energy and rural communities. 

Hageman emphasized the region’s importance to the state and national economy, noting that Campbell County continues to play a central role in energy production. She reiterated her long-standing support for traditional energy industries and said Wyoming remains well-positioned to meet growing demand. 

“Coal continues to be critical to America’s energy future,” she said, adding that recent federal action has reduced royalty rates for producers. Royalty rates for oil and gas were returned to 12.5 percent, while coal royalties were lowered to 7 percent, changes she said would directly benefit Wyoming companies. One local coal company, she noted, estimated a savings of $15 million this year from the adjustment. 

Hageman also reviewed provisions included in recent federal legislation, known as the “Working Families Tax Cut Act” or “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The package included multiple components aimed at supporting energy, agriculture and rural infrastructure. Measures highlighted by Hageman included $50 billion for rural hospitals, permanent extension of 2017 federal tax cuts, renewal of the Opportunity Zone program for rural investment, reauthorization of compensation for uranium miners, and additional funding for border enforcement. 

She noted that Wyoming, as the least populated state, stands to receive a larger share of rural hospital funds per capita than other states. “Rural health care remains a top concern across the state, and this will help ensure continued access to services,” she said. 

The congresswoman also spoke about the ongoing discussion over electronic identification (EID) ear tags for livestock. She stated her opposition to a federal mandate requiring all cattle and bison to carry EID tags, describing it as an unnecessary and costly regulation. She noted that supply shortages already prevent many producers from obtaining tags, and said her office is working to ensure producers who make a good faith effort to comply will not face penalties. 

“According to USDA, the tags alone would cost more than $26 million annually,” she said. “However, only $15 million has been appropriated, creating an unfunded mandate that places additional strain on producers.” 

Hageman also discussed land ownership concerns, referencing the growing number of foreign entities acquiring agricultural property in the United States. She said Congress has taken steps to increase oversight, including granting the U.S. Department of Agriculture a permanent seat on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to ensure agricultural transactions are reviewed for national security implications. 

She also addressed concerns about the Iron Bar Holdings corner crossing case, which could have implications for landowners in Wyoming’s checkerboard areas. Hageman said her office is exploring potential legislative solutions that could balance public access with private property rights, including land exchanges between private owners and federal agencies. 

Several agriculture-specific provisions were included in the reconciliation bill, such as increased support for Price Loss Coverage and Agricultural Risk Coverage programs, expanded definitions for beginning farmers to extend eligibility for crop insurance benefits, and adjustments to disaster assistance programs. These programs now reimburse 100 percent of losses caused by federally protected species and 75 percent of weather or disease-related losses. The bill also permanently raised the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for couples. 

Hageman said the legislation serves as a bridge while Congress continues to negotiate a new Farm Bill. “This measure was a step in the right direction,” she said. “Work continues on Farm Bill 2.0, though it has not yet reached the floor for consideration.” 

She also highlighted constituent service efforts from her office, reporting that more than 3,000 Wyoming residents have received assistance since she took office. Those cases resulted in the return of more than $8.5 million to citizens through recovered tax refunds, veterans’ reimbursements and other benefits. 

Hageman concluded by reflecting on Wyoming’s agricultural heritage and the value of local engagement. “Family, community and working together remain at the heart of what makes Wyoming strong,” she said.