2018 Farm Bill Could Be Similar to 2014 Farm Bill

Could the next farm bill look a lot like the current farm bill? It’s possible according to Director of University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute Patrick Westhoff.

“Suppose the 2018 Farm Bill looks a lot like the 2014 Farm Bill, why might that happen? Well, many like what they have. A lot of people in agriculture are reasonably happy with what they have.”

Work on the 2018 Farm Bill has begun in both the Senate and House Ag Committees.

Westhoff did note that it can be challenging to get the legislators to understand agricultural needs.

“There’s not that many ag-representing districts anymore in this county. So how do you get non-ag interest involved on your side.”

The expectations are that safety net programs will change, largely intact, though dairy programs could see some shifts.