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Farm bill leaders ramp up intensity as negotiations continue

A Farm Bureau official is skeptical of reports saying Mike Conaway remains at odds with the other three principal leaders as farm bill negotiations continue.

Andrew Walmsley tells Brownfield he believes the Texas Congressman is seeking middle ground with Collin Peterson, Pat Roberts, and Debbie Stabenow.

“I think Mr. Conaway eluded to this recently that there are still a handful of unresolved issues between the four principles outside of just nutrition (and) I think they’re trying to work through that.  I don’t believe everything you read in the media, and obviously that’s a broader debate these days.”

Earlier this week Roberts, the chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, said “three of us have a good farm bill, but I’m troubled we can’t get the fourth one” in reference to Conaway.

Beyond proposed SNAP reforms, Walmsley says House and Senate leadership must identify a pathway for the conservation and commodity titles.

He’s optimistic the necessary work can be completed during the Lame Duck.

“The intensity has ramped up this week, there’s a lot of work taking place as we speak on hopefully finishing a lot of the details to get a conference report together and back through both chambers to the President’s desk before they leave town for Christmas.”

Walmsley pointed to the Commodity Title as a good gauge of progress, saying once that is wrapped up a lot of other pieces tend to fall into place.