As lawmakers continue discussions in Washington, D.C. regarding tax reform and federal budget issues, thoughts are also turning to the 2018 Farm Bill. Written every five years, the current measure, known as the Agricultural Act of 2014, expires in September 2018.
Although most scenarios for a new farm bill are hypothetical at this point, House Agricultural Committee Communications Director Rachel Millard told WLJ that chairman Michael Conaway (R-TX) is focused on getting something quickly. She indicated current congressional priorities make early next year a likely time for serious discussions to get underway.
Hearing from constituents is important when writing a farm bill and Millard said six listening sessions were held around the country during the summer and fall. She described the mood at those meetings as “anxious,” noting that there is a lot of economic turmoil right now for farmers and ranchers.
Among the topics discussed, farmers expressed concerns for maintaining a strong safety net, which Millard said will be taken into consideration as the new language is written.
Discussing President Donald Trump’s proposed budget, released earlier this year, which showed harsh cuts to ag programs, she said Conaway has been a fierce advocate for production agriculture in past budgeting processes and will continue that stance going forward.
“We’re not trying to put the cart before the horse,” Millard said. “We don’t know what the budget next year will look like, but we are working through the details of what we can right now—writing the farm bill according to our current baseline and moving from there.
Millard noted that Conaway recognizes the need to be fiscally responsible, while also underscoring the immense need in farm country right now.
As for actual language, Millard said not to expect anything from the committee right away. But she also noted that the process allows people to put forward their ideas for what they believe will make positive improvements. “Not all of those will be included, but some of them will spark conversation about what we could do or how we could incorporate an ideal that might be of equal value to the group we are looking to serve.”
She added, “There are a lot of ideas out there, and that’s what Capitol Hill is all about, and we’re going to consider all of them.”
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has had its eye on the upcoming debate for some time with the need for a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank. In fact, NCBA submitted testimony to the House Ag committee in February 2016 about the importance of foot-and-mouth disease preparedness.
In a document discussing NCBA’s position, the organization explains its position. “As part of the 2018 Farm Bill, NCBA supports a full mandatory funding of $150 million a year for five years to provide for a robust U.S. FMD vaccine bank, capable of responding rapidly and effectively to any potential FMD outbreak.” The proposal goes on, “While this is a significant request, it must be considered against the projected economic consequences of an FMD outbreak in the U.S.
Other priorities of NCBA include:
• Supporting a free, open and private marketplace;
• Maintaining a focus on research; and
• Responsible stewardship of land and resources.
Acknowledging there are many moving parts in the farm bill, NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Cooke told WLJ, “We are going to be on our toes and be prepared, but we are going to focus most of our energy on our top priorities.”
National Farmers Union (NFU) also discussed priorities with WLJ with Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew saying it will be no surprise that NFU is focused on topics of the farm safety net. He said specific to the grain side, it’s all about making sure the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs are strengthened and that they operate better for farmers.
NFU is also watching the competition side, with Larew saying his members are “looking for ways to strengthen individual livestock producer’s ability to compete in the market today.
Now is the time for farmers and ranchers to engage with elected officials to express their needs and priorities to be included in the farm bill. “That’s our message to our members and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see positive outcomes for family farmers and ranchers,” Larew said. “Get engaged, get that message out there to the members of Congress. Too often they may not hear very much from the country, so they are left wondering what their priorities should be. Any change that folks want to see; they need to make that very clear.” — Rae Price, WLJ editor
