ARA Vice Chair Mike Twining Advocates for Ag Retailers at Congressional Roundtable on Working Families Tax Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Board of Directors Vice Chair, Mike Twining of Willard Agri-Services, represented ag retailers at a roundtable hosted by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) and U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark.), to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) are delivering relief for families and workers as we conclude the 2025 tax season.

"When farmers struggle, independent ag retailers like our business feel it immediately. Fortunately, provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill, and particularly the Working Families Tax Cuts, have been a huge risk mitigator for our business and our customers. These expensing and investment incentives have lowered the upfront cost of investing in durable machinery, production facilities, and other necessary equipment," Mike Twining shared.

"This roundtable was a great reminder of who Republicans are fighting for," Chairwoman McClain said. "We heard directly from hardworking Americans, parents, and small business owners who are seeing real relief because House Republicans fought for the Working Families Tax Cuts. We delivered bigger refunds, bigger paychecks, and more breathing room for the people who work hard every day and deserve to keep more of what they earn."

Several provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and WFTC outlined below provide tangible relief to ag retailers:

100% Immediate Expensing (Bonus Depreciation): This provides immediate write-offs for major investments like custom application rigs, blending towers, or fleet vehicles, freeing up cash for innovation and growth.

Section 199A Pass-Through Deduction: This lowers the effective tax rate for private, family-owned retail businesses, ensuring they remain competitive with large corporations and have the liquidity to fund growth, local research and trials, and reinvest in their local communities.

Elimination of Federal Tax on Overtime Pay: This makes "peak season" staffing significantly easier by providing a massive incentive for employees to take on the extra hours needed during planting and harvest.

Section 174 R&D Expensing: This lowers the financial risk of developing new biological and agronomic tools, precision software, or soil health testing protocols tailored to the local territory.

Increased Standard Deduction: This functions as a broad stabilizer of the rural economy, ensuring the community and customer base have a stronger financial foundation.

Enhanced Child Tax Credit (CTC): This improves the retention of a reliable, multi-generational workforce by making rural life more affordable for young families.

Expanded Section 179 Expensing: This provides a permanent, predictable planning tool for annual equipment needs, ensuring the business can maintain a modern fleet regardless of market cycles.

See Mike Twining's full testimony at the roundtable here.

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