News

Pass the farm bill, not some emegency aid package

Thirteen national ag organizations have sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging them to “refrain from supporting” any disaster legislation resembling the House-passed measure.

The groups contend the pending farm bills passed by the full Senate and the House Ag Committee would deliver needed assistance to livestock producers. They write the passage of an emergency disaster bill similar to the House bill could result in further delays in completing a full five-year farm bill as well as have an impact on funding for long-term agricultural needs.

The letter states: “We remain committed to attempting to pass a five-year farm bill as soon as possible, including the long-term provisions it includes, which would help alleviate the emergency conditions we are seeing across the country.”

The letter is signed by the American Farm Bureau, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation, National Sunflower Association, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, United Fresh Produce Association, U.S. Canola Association, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council and Western Growers.