Lawmakers have been debating the Farm Bill for more than a year, but time is running out to get one passed this session. Issues like SNAP have been a major sticking point, but Senate ag lawmakers say there is now a different issue.
Senator John Hoeven says reference prices have become the latest hurdle. Policy specialists with the North Dakota Farmers Union tell the Arkansas Advocate strong yields should help cover this year, but 2025 could be tough for growers. Speaking at a field hearing in North Dakota, Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman said resetting the safety net will take a group effort.
There will be little time for lawmakers to get a new Farm Bill done when they return from summer recess, and the 2018 extension expires on September 30th. Some lawmakers, like Senator Amy Klobuchar, remain hopeful a new Farm Bill can get passed this year; however, former Ag Secretary Mike Johanns joins a list of other lawmakers who are unsure. Johanns says with just around two weeks when lawmakers return next month, it is unlikely much progress will be made.
