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A learning curve ahead of the 2023 Farm Bill

As a new Congress takes its seat in 2023, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says education is a priority.

Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs, says the cattle industry is different than other sectors of agriculture.  “We’re not engaging in the farm bill in support of a large subsidy program that our producers, at scale, are like ‘man I can’t stay in business without this’,” he says. 

He tells Brownfield ensuring producers have access to disaster aid is crucial.  “We’ve seen a series of disasters and market disruptions, capacity problems since the beginning of COVID and before,” he says.  “Our producers, at this point, are more used to unusual circumstances than they are a normal market.”

Lane says risk management programs are also important.  “Things like LRP (Livestock Risk Protection) that weren’t really in the conversation a few years ago, are now an important part of our producers’ suite of tools,” he says.  “Looking for ways to expand those, when everything ostensibly is going to be contracting, is a big part of that conversation.”

The 2018 Farm Bill is set to expire on September 30, 2023, but Lane says he doesn’t expect a new Farm Bill to pass next year and anticipates at least a 1-year extension to the current bill. 

AUDIO: Ethan Lane, NCBA

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