An economist and consultant recently told a group of farmers Congress will most likely pass an extension of the 2014 Farm Bill and delay it until 2019. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says having the legislation extended isn’t the real problem facing agriculture, it’s the fact producers don’t get timely payments.

He says the most negative impact on the new farm bill will come if Congress passes the tax reform legislation they’ve proposed. Sombke says that will lead to pay as you go which will mean major cutting of farm program payments.

Sombke says it’s time for Congress to stand up for economically strapped farmers.

Sombke says while Congress hasn’t helped farmers, the administration got elected on the backs of farmers and has left them high and dry.