Wednesday, the House passed the five year farm bill on a 251 to 166 vote. The measure is expected to pass the Senate soon. Iowa grower Ray Gaesser, President of the American Soybean Association says the farm bill contains several components beneficial to his group’s members.
South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says the farm bill is good for both the consumer and the farmer. He says overall it’s a good measure even though not everyone got what they wanted.
South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott Vanderwal says the legislation has benefits for both livestock and grain producers.
The House passed Farm Bill eliminates direct payments and expands crop insurance. It also cuts $ 8 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program and calls for spending $ 23 billion over five years.