President Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget proposal are a concern to farmers and ranchers. The President is calling for a 21-percent cut in USDA’s annual budget and nearly $230 billion in cuts to Farm Bill programs. Specifically, it would slash crop insurance by $29 billion, Title I programs by $9 billion and conservation programs by $6 billion. However, South Dakota Senator John Thune says Congress will make the final decision on the budget and will protect rural America and the farm safety net.

The proposal continues the $4.7 billion cut to USDA that was proposed by the Administration in March. Thune says while the Ag Secretary can make some cuts in personnel and discretionary spending at USDA, he does not have the authority to cut farm programs. He says that power lies solely with Congress.

Trump’s budget also recommended a $191 billion cut to SNAP. Many farm groups say such cuts would leave farmers, ranchers and consumers without an effective safety net.