Low grain and livestock prices and the ailing farm economy are getting the attention of lawmakers. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds sees challenges with finding ways to assist farmers and ranchers, especially when they write the next farm bill.

He says one way to help farmers and ranchers deal with the economic downturn is to improve and expand the Conservation Reserve Program.

Rounds says another problem farmers are dealing with is the pressure on lenders. He says local and community banks are being pressed by auditors and regulators.

Rounds says when it comes to operating loans, farmers are going to have to show lenders how they’re going to cash flow their operations. He says that will be difficult given low commodity prices and high input costs.