There is disagreement among Senate leadership on the urgency of completing the farm bill. Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts says getting the farm bill done this fall will be tough and it would be better to wait until a budget is in place. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell disagrees and says it should be passed as soon as possible. Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman agrees.
He says having a stronger safety net is the main priority for his members in the next farm bill.
Lehman says farmers are under tremendous economic pressure right now and that’s only expected to increase. So, a solid farm bill is needed immediately.
Meanwhile, House Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conaway expects work to begin on the new farm bill within the next two weeks and has pledged to complete the legislation by year end.
