Farm Bill Debate

It goes without saying, the Farm Bill is extremely important to farmers and ranchers across the country.

Republican Congressman Rodney Davis has a vote and says he expects Farm Bill debates to begin with his collegues in early February.

The bill covers dozens of nutrition, agricultural and rural policies that affect everyday life.

While discussions around the Farm Bill often focus on food stamps, the supplemental food program that assists millions of Americans, including about one in seven Arkansas residents, this year lawmakers are also concentrating on agricultural safety net programs for farmers.

Earlier this month, President Trump was applauded at an American Farm Bureau Federation meeting in Nashville, when he vowed to work towards getting the Farm Bill passed on time and with support for crop insurance premiums.

Forestry leaders are also looking to this year's Farm Bill for financial and technical assistance for forests, the vast majority of which are privately owned and operated in Arkansas.

Predictions for passage of the 2018 Farm Bill ranged from four months to two years. The policies of the current Farm Bill remain in place, even if the legislation expires.

Why is it such a big deal? The farm bill covers dozens of nutrition, agricultural and rural policies that affect everyday life.