Despite the fact that the House Agriculture Committee has a new farm bill ready to go to the floor for a vote, leadership decided late on Friday to instead vote this week on a one-year extension of the current legislation, coupled with an extension of disaster aid for livestock producers.

The reason is the drought, according to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). “It is critical that we provide certainty to our producers and address the devastating drought conditions that are affecting most of the country and I look forward to supporting and advancing this legislation,” Lucas said in a statement.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President, Government Affairs, Colin Woodall says they like the idea of getting help to livestock producers hurt by the drought. “We need to get these drought relief programs put back in place so we’re excited that we’re going to have some opportunities to move this thing forward,” he said. “At the same time we’re still concerned about what the future is for a long-term omnibus bill.”

Listen to or download Colin’s comments here: Colin Woodall, NCBA

National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer says they would rather Congress move ahead with new legislation, which has already been passed by the Senate. “America’s farmers need a new farm bill that will allow them the ability to make sound business decisions for the next five years. An extension of current law fails to provide the needed level of certainty,” he said. “It is important to get to conference and pass a bill before the current law expires September 30. Continuing outdated farm policies will negatively impact agriculture, the federal budget, consumers and the economy.”