Wednesday, the Senate is expected to mark up their 2018 farm bill. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says the proposal they came up with is much better than the House bill that was voted down earlier. He’s pleased Senator John Thune’s Soil Health and Income Protection Program or SHIPP is contained in the legislation. This conservation program features a three-year set aside.

He says while the ARC and PLC programs are valuable, they can be improved and he’s hopeful Senators will consider that.

Sombke is hopeful Congress will pass a farm bill this year but it will be a challenge because the House and Senate are so far apart.

Sombke says its critical a farm bill is done this year.