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Ag economist says farm bill needs to be prioritized in lame duck

An ag economist says it is crucial Congress passes a farm bill before the end of the year.

“The math changes when we get to a new Congress,” says John Newton with Terrain Ag.

Newton tells Brownfield he’s optimistic a farm bill can and should be prioritized in the lame duck session.

“All four corners of the ag committee work very well together. I think once there’s an agreement among principals that this is what the outline of the farm bill will look like, then staff can go to work to get it over the finish line,” he says.

Newton says if the farm bill becomes part of reconciliation, it could get misconstrued as Congress making cuts to agriculture.

“Farmers need to talk to their lawmakers about why this is important. We just talked about low prices next year. The farm economy — the outlook is not better and the farm bill is an element that helps farmers address that risky environment,” he says.

Brownfield interviewed Newton at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters annual meeting in Kansas City.

AUDIO: John Newton, Terrain Ag