News

Farm bill extension seems imminent

Will the next farm bill get done on time?  That was a common question during Farmfest in southwest Minnesota this week.

House Agriculture Committee member Angie Craig tells Brownfield she’s optimistic the new farm bill will be completed by the end of the year.

“Which means of course, we’re going to need an extension for that to happen. But I know that the chairman’s intent is that late September, early October we’ll start working on it officially through the House. The Senate is going to need some time to do its work, and of course it’s got to be a product that the President will sign.”

Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra suggests funding will be a major sticking point.

“Especially when SNAP is about 82 to 83 percent of the dollars spent. But we’ve got to figure out a way, and it’s going to be bipartisan.”

And House Majority Whip Tom Emmer points out there are only a dozen legislative days remaining before the current farm bill expires.

“And so far out of the 12 appropriations bills, one has actually passed the House. None have passed the Senate.”

Angie Craig interview:

Randy Feenstra interview:

Tom Emmer interview: