The U.S. pork industry’s top priority for the next Farm Bill is establishing a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank, the National Pork Producers Council told a House Agriculture subcommittee in testimony. “If this country ever had an FMD outbreak, it not only would devastate my farm and the whole livestock industry but the entire U.S. economy,” said NPPC Vice President …
Addressing Dairy Issues in the New Farm Bill
With the 2018 Farm Bill already seeing many major discussions, certain lawmakers know dairy is one area that needs to be addressed. One of those is House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway.
Designing a Farm Bill Fair to Everyone
Discussions concerning the 2018 Farm Bill have already begun in many circles, including with lawmakers. During the recent Commodity Classic held in San Antonio, Texas, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway was asked how Congress can balance designing a farm bill for everyone, especially with him promoting cotton and the possible new Ag Secretary, Sonny Perdue being from the Southeast.
37 Farm Bill Programs Need Budget Baselines After FY 2018
The farm bill contains 37 programs that currently do not have budget baselines after the 2018 fiscal year. The programs account for $2.6 billion in spending.
National Milk Producers Make Farm Bill Recommendations
The National Milk Producers Federation has released recommended changes to the Margin Protection Program in the next farm bill. The Federation says the proposed changes will ensure an effective safety net for the nation’s dairy farmers.
The Case Against More Farm Bill Funding
Ag groups and farm-state lawmakers are already making the case for more funding in the next farm bill due to the current state of the farm economy. However, groups like the Heritage Foundation, the Environmental Working Group, and Taxpayers for Common Sense gave testimony this week against the idea of more funding.
House Agriculture Subcommittee’s Plan Farm Bill Hearings
The House Agriculture Committee has scheduled two subcommittee hearings on the next farm bill next week. The Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry will hold a public hearing next Tuesday morning regarding conservation policy in the next farm bill.
AFBF Joins Groups in Support of Farm Bill Funding
Reduced spending under the 2014 farm bill contributed greatly to the nation’s deficit reduction effort. However, additional cuts to the 2018 farm bill would present perils on many fronts, a diverse coalition today told congressional appropriations and budget leaders.
Kansas Senator Says Wheat, Sorghum Also Key Farm Bill Debate Commodities
Kansas Republican U.S. Senator Jerry Moran(more-ran) says wheat and sorghum need attention in the next farm bill, along with other key commodities including cotton and dairy.
House Agriculture Committee Prepares for Farm Bill by Exploring Economic Outlook in Rural America
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to review the economic challenges facing rural America. Members heard from several witnesses who highlighted these factors, including low farm commodity prices, declining net farm income, tightening credit conditions, a strong dollar, and unfair trade practices by foreign competitors.