Farm Bill Extension More Likely Than New Legislation Being Passed

Congress may take the only Farm Bill action politically possible this month, which is to extend the old Farm Bill yet again.

“In the Senate, we can’t reach an agreement that reflects what the House has done in a bipartisan way to make sure the next five-year farm bill reflects the inflation in agriculture that has been obvious since 2018," noted Senate Republican Chuck Grassley of Iowa.

Inflation in fuel, fertilizer, seed, chemicals, repair parts, and interest rates.  But a fixed pot of Farm Bill money and limited access to funds outside the bill has led to a political stalemate.

“There’s a 20% increase in the House bill," Grassley continued.  "The Democrats don’t want to give a 20% increase in the Senate, and that’s what keeps the bill from passing.” 

Senate Ag Democrats, like some on House Ag, oppose taking money from food stamps to boost farm supports.  They argue SNAP is crucial for many and reprogramming it has never been done before. 

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