Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith is kicking off his 2017 Farm Bill Listening Tour with a pair of listening sessions. They’re scheduled for Scottsbluff on April 17 and Aurora on April 20. Smith says the tour provides him an opportunity to gather input on the new farm bill directly from the producers that will use the programs.

Smith anticipates trade and crop insurance will both be part of the farm bill discussions, especially with the present challenges farmers are facing economically.

Another topic of discussion will be the budget for the new farm bill as well as the current ag spending cuts proposed by President Trump. The Administration had recommended $4.7 billion in cuts to USDA’s discretionary budget.

Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach will also join in the discussions.