House Ag Committee to Review State of the Farm Economy

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) – The federal crop insurance program has functioned as the most important risk management tool available to producers where farmers pay a premium for their policies, just like any other type of insurance.

The last Farm Bill was written when the economic conditions were not as harsh as what farmers are currently facing where wheat prices have dropped far below loan rates in some areas.

With these harsh economic conditions for wheat producers, the National Association of Wheat Growers looks forward to the upcoming House and Senate hearings in preparation for the 2018 Farm Bill.

The House Ag Committee will host two public hearings ‘Rural Economic Outlook: Setting the Stage for the Next Farm Bill’ as well as the ‘Pros and Cons of Restricting SNAP Purchases’ on February 15th and 16th at 1300 Longworth House Office Building.

Both of these hearings will have implications for the Farm Bill reauthorization process, particularly with the economic hearing laying some context for the need for a farm safety net.

Additionally, the Senate Agriculture Committee will host its first Farm Bill field hearing, ‘Hearing from the Heartland,’ in Manhattan, Kansas on Thursday, February 23rd which will be webcast live at ag.senate.gov.