What does Preamble of HR 5875 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes,' aims to reform and continue agricultural programs within the Department of Agriculture. The bill's scope extends through fiscal year 2029.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 5875 do?

This bill is formally titled the Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2025.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of HR 5875 do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) in California. Congress views AMMP as a successful program supporting the livestock industry and serving as a national model for responsible manure management. Existing AMMP projects are contributing to a reduction of 1,600,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases. The practices within AMMP are intended to enhance sustainability, environmental stewardship, local air quality, and soil health through recycled manure.

What does DEFINITIONS. of HR 5875 do?

This section amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to define 'composting practice' as an activity producing compost from organic waste generated on a farm or brought from a nearby community, used to improve water retention and soil health, and compliant with applicable laws. The text defines 'alternative manure management practices' as measures reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions, nitrate leaching, or improving carbon sequestration, including pasture-based management, compost-bedded pack barns, and solid separation technologies. Subparagraph (A) of section 1240A(7) is amended to include 'composting practices' and 'alternative manure management practices'. Section 1240I(2)(B)(i) is amended to include 'composting practices' alongside drainage management systems.

What does ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION. of HR 5875 do?

This section amends Section 1240B(d)(7) of the Food Security Act of 1985 to include 'state-determined high-priority' practices. The amendment to Section 1240B(d)(7) adds carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emission reduction as eligible practices. Section 1240B(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended to include 'alternative manure management' alongside grazing management. The bill redesignates subsections (h) through (j) of Section 1240B as (i) through (k). A new subsection (h) is added to Section 1240B regarding Alternative Manure Management Practices. The Secretary may provide payments up to 100% of costs for alternative manure management practices. The Secretary shall provide at least 50% of total payments in advance for purchasing materials, equipment, or technical assistance. Contracts awarded under this section shall have a term not exceeding 3 years.

What does PRIORITIZATION OF APPLICATIONS. of HR 5875 do?

This section amends Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985. The amendment redesignates existing paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D). It adds a new subsection (2) to establish criteria for evaluating and ranking alternative manure management contract offers. The criteria for evaluating alternative manure management applications prioritize carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and environmental/public health benefits. The Secretary must also consider geographical diversity, scale diversity (including support for small and medium-sized operations), and a track record of conservation. The Secretary is authorized to establish procedures for joint applications from producers for shared composting facilities. The Secretary is directed to prioritize awards to small and mid-sized dairy and livestock operations, including beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

What does DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. of HR 5875 do?

This section amends Section 1240F of the Food Security Act of 1985. It adds a subsection (b) regarding Alternative Manure Management. The Secretary is tasked with determining and publishing factors for estimating carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions reductions for alternative manure management practices. Eligible producers are identified based on existing manure management practices and their ability to adopt alternatives. The Secretary will assist eligible producers by providing payments for designing and implementing alternative practices. The Secretary will also provide information, technical assistance, and training. The Secretary must review and revise conservation practice standards as needed to support alternative manure management practices. Cooperative agreements with third-party technical assistance providers are authorized.

What does LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS. of HR 5875 do?

This section amends Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985. The amendment inserts “(a) In General.--” before “Not including payments.” It strikes a clause regarding the number of contracts and adds waiver authority for the Secretary. The Secretary may waive limitations in section 1001D(b) or section 1240(G) for payments under alternative manure management contracts if deemed necessary. The Secretary can impose a separate payment limitation for contracts where a waiver applies.

What does NEW OR INNOVATIVE CONSERVATION APPROACH. of HR 5875 do?

This section amends Section 1240H(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985. The amendment strikes the word 'and' at the end of subclause (VI). The amendment inserts 'alternative manure management practices' as subclause (VIII).

What does DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. of HR 5875 do?

This section amends Section 1242(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985. The Secretary is required to review existing composting practice standards. The review will assess the adequacy of the standards in promoting alternative manure management and on-farm composting. The Secretary must develop and implement a new conservation practice standard for on-farm compost production within one year of enactment.

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COWS Act of 2025 — HR. 5875

Last updated: 10/31/2025 · Introduced: 10/31/2025

Author: Jim Costa (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

The COWS Act of 2025 reforms and continues agricultural programs through fiscal year 2029, focusing on alternative manure management practices.
The bill defines 'alternative manure management practices' to include methods like pasture-based management and solid separation technologies that reduce emissions and improve soil health.
It provides financial assistance, potentially covering up to 100% of costs, for farmers adopting alternative manure management practices, prioritizing carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction.
Applications for funding will be prioritized based on carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, environmental benefits, and support for small and mid-sized dairy and livestock operations.
The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to establish factors for estimating carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reductions, provide technical assistance, and update conservation practice standards to support these practices.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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