Farm Bill conferees have only a few legislative days left to complete a new farm bill before the current one expires September 30 and they’re forced to pass an extension. Center for Rural Affairs officials are concerned that’ll mean the loss of funding for several beginning farmer and rancher, as well as conservation programs. Policy Manger Anna Johnson says there are three major beginning farmer programs that could be impacted.

She says several conservation programs will be affected including the Conservation Security Program, Conservation Reserve Program and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

Johnson says they were able to avoid losing program funding with the previous farm bill, but the chances of that happening again aren’t that good.

Johnson says not having a new farm bill be a blow to both rural communities and farmers.