Special Report

Nelson pleased with language provided by Illinois Farm Bureau

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson is pleased about the resolution from Illinois that was made part of American Farm Bureau policy this week in Nashville.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson at the 2013 AFBF Convention in Nashville.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson at the 2013 AFBF Convention in Nashville.

“We’ve heard it from our producers,” said Nelson, “risk management is job one as we go into this farm bill.”

Nelson explained to Brownfield Ag News that the language provides flexibility to producers. He says delegates had talked about supporting a shallow loss program and reference prices, which are similar to target prices. That, however, gave way to what was eventually adopted by American Farm Bureau voting delegates, which allows for a choice of program options if a catastrophic risk management program is not achievable.

“We wanted to have the latitude, not knowing where this Congress will end up, but certainly looking at all options, to give producers that option as they sign up for the new farm program,” he said.

Delegates also amended policy to support the Renewable Fuels Standard, commonly referred to as RFS2, as approved in 2007 energy legislation. It’s the first time American Farm Bureau policy has addressed RFS2.

Nelson is one of 362 farmer and rancher delegates from 50 states and Puerto Rico who vote on American Farm Bureau policy. An estimated 6,000 people attended the convention this week in Nashville.

AUDIO: Philip Nelson (3 min. MP3)

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