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Optimistic about a farm bill

With just a few legislative days left before the end of the year, the question remains if the Farm Bill can be completed in time.

Mike Stokke director of the Farm Credit Administration Office of Congressional and Public Affairs says he’s trying to remain positive.  “So here’s the good thing,” he says.  “Deadlines are good.  With just a few days left it is a really short amount of time to get some really big things done.  They have to come to a compromise on a number of things.  It’s very difficult to do and I know they’re trying.  But I like deadlines – they kind of force things to happen that maybe wouldn’t.”

One other item that could work in the committee’s favor, he says, is putting together an extension isn’t getting any easier.  “So that means there is no easy out,” he says.  “And that’s good, because that means they’re more likely to come to a compromise and get a bill done.  There are just a few days left and they know they are under the gun.”

AUDIO: Mike Stokke, Farm Credit Administration (2:15mp3)

Stokke made his comments during the Illinois Commodity Conference last week.