By Scout Nelson
The 2018 Farm Bill expired on September 30, 2024, marking the second time it has lapsed. Major programs, such as food assistance and crop insurance, continue, but the bill’s stalling is creating uncertainty for farmers who are already facing numerous challenges, including hurricanes, wildfires, and drought.
On top of these weather-related hardships, federal data shows that farm income is decreasing for the second consecutive year. Low prices for key crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat are hitting farmers particularly hard. Many in the agriculture industry are in the red, with next year looking even worse.
An updated farm bill could help address these economic and environmental issues. If the bill had been updated in 2023, the current crisis could have been mitigated. Today, farmers are facing high input costs, which overshadow the assistance provided by the outdated 2018 Farm Bill. One of the major concerns is reference prices, which trigger payments when crop prices fall below certain levels. These prices are now considered ineffective.
Congress has used extensions in three of the past four farm bill cycles, a practice that has become more common over the bill’s 90-year history. Extensions, however, delay the much-needed updates to address current challenges.
Several programs lost funding when the bill expired, including conservation efforts, animal health programs, and initiatives to support beginning and underserved farmers. However, food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remain funded under a continuing resolution through December.
The pressure is on lawmakers to either pass another extension or approve new legislation before the end of the year to avoid disrupting commodity support programs under permanent law, which could lead to market disruptions.
Congress members have emphasized the urgency of passing a new farm bill, citing the need to support farmers and ranchers who are struggling with economic and natural disasters.
Categories: Nebraska, General, Weather