The National Farmers Union has launched a campaign trying to urge Congress to pass a farm bill this year. Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman says economic conditions are dire for farmers and ranchers and the latest USDA projects indicate a drop of $4.3 billion in net farm income for 2018. He says that illustrates the need for passing a farm bill soon.

He says it’s critical the new farm bill provides a solid safety net.

Lehman says it’ll be a challenge for Congress to get the farm bill done as they’ve already set several other priorities and it’s an election year.

Lehman says Congress must also prop up the FSA Guaranteed Loan Program since the need for credit relief is expected to rise given the state of the farm economy.