WAWG: We Need A Farm Bill By September 30th

On Friday, the House voted against the Republican led Farm Bill proposal.  House Resolution 2 was struck down by a 198-213 vote.  Not only did all House Democrats vote against the proposal, but 30 Republicans crossed party lines to vote against the Farm Bill resolution.

Michelle Hennings, executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, said while discouraging, lawmakers still have time.  She said Congress must work to get a Farm Bill on the Books by September 30th.

"And we don't want to end up in the situation we did when we were in 2013, we need to get the Farm Bill to conference on both the House and Senate side.  And so, we need it to pass so we can start negotiating what is actually going to be within the Farm Bill.”

Hennings said Farm Bill extremely important to growers, for a variety of reasons, from crop insurance, FMD/Map funding, as well as ARC and PLC payment.  Hennings says to stress the important of the 2018 Farm Bill, member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and the National Association of Wheat growers have spent a lot of time in D.C., letting lawmakers know how important this legislation is for growers nationwide.  Does she think a new Farm Bill will be ready by the end of September?

"I really can't say, we're hoping for the best, we need the Farm Bill to move forward, and so we are there in their offices consistently telling them how important this is."

Hennings said one of the positives this go around, she feels wheat has enjoyed a seat at the table when Farm Bill and crop insurance issues have been discussed.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com