Lack Of Farm Bill Hurts Idaho Barley Growers

Last week, the 2018 Farm Bill extension expired, and while there is hope that a new Farm Bill can be passed during the upcoming lame duck session, there is concern in farm county that little if anything will be done during the remaining portion of 2024.  Laura Wilder, Executive Director of the Idaho Barley Commission said a lack of a Farm Bill means uncertainty, and potentially a lack of funding for growers.  But she noted, a lack of a Farm Bill also hurts the Barley Commission.

“Also, there are marketing incentive programs that help us as a Commission work on developing export markets and other opportunities to maybe provide more selling opportunities for growers.”

Despite the challenges of low prices, a lack of a Farm Bill, and weather this year, Wilder says Idaho Barley growers choose to bounce back.

“Farmers are the most resilient people on the planet," Wilder said.  "They farm because they love the lifestyle, and they love growing crops and food to feed the world and provide beverages. And it's in their DNA and they love what they do.  And they don't want to stop farming.”

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