South Dakota Corn Leader Says Farm Bill Faces Long Road Ahead

The president of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association says Congress still has a chance to pass a new farm bill this year, but he believes the odds are slim.

Trent Kubik says South Dakota’s congressional delegation warned farmers at Dakotafest that lawmakers face a difficult path when they return to Washington. Another Senate Agriculture Committee vote could come in September.

The committee attempted to advance the bill August 6, but the measure failed on a 10-to-11 vote. The meeting was recessed, allowing the chairman to call another vote later. Senate Agriculture Committee

Kubik says several agricultural priorities were already included in last year’s federal tax and spending legislation, leaving Congress with less incentive to complete a broader farm bill.

South Dakota corn growers are still pushing for provisions including permanent nationwide sales of E-15 throughout the year and an update to farm-program base acres.

Kubik says the repeated delays are frustrating because farmers need greater certainty when making future planting and financial decisions. Brownfield Ag News