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Northey: farmers should plan for better markets, not MFP

USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey says farmers shouldn’t expect another market facilitation program payment this year.

“What I’m doing is encouraging producers to not plan on a 2020 MFP,” he says. “Plan for better markets here, plan for better trading situations, and certainly plant for the market.”

President Trump has said more trade assistance would be available if needed, but Northey says it’s not clear if it will be needed for the 2020 crop yet.

“If there needs to be an MFP than the president will look at that and evaluate that and it will be later this year before we figure out whether there is a need or not,” he says.

Brownfield interviewed Northey at the 2020 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.