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Moran sees farm bill, E-15 expansion as potential path for some stability

A member of the Senate Ag Committee says farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented uncertainty in the ag economy.

Jerry Moran of Kansas tells Brownfield, “The profitability of agriculture, in my view in the time I’ve been an elected official representing Kansas and agriculture, is as difficult as I’ve ever seen.”

He says there are a few legislative options that could bring some stability, including one that significantly increases demand for U.S. corn. “I certainly expect that at every opportunity legislative both in the committee and on the Senate floor when there is an opportunity to add an amendment to authorize E-15 year-round, that’s going to be front and center for most members of the Ag committee and most members of the Senate.”

Moran says providing producers risk management options is also critical. “We have the farm bill to complete. The Title I, the safety net, was included in the reconciliation bill. We still have lots of things that farmers are interested in including thigs like conservation and ag financing.”

He says he’s optimistic both legislative priorities will get across the finish line by the end of the year.