A young Michigan cherry farmer had the honor of introducing the president of the United States prior to signing of the new farm bill at Michigan State University Friday. “On behalf of farmers across Michigan, I want to say thank you Congress for passing a great farm bill,” said Ben LaCross, former American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher chairman. …
President to Sign Farm Bill Today
President Obama will sign the Agricultural Act of 2014 today at Michigan State University, the alma mater of Senate Agriculture Committee chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). “This is a very exciting day and I welcome that the president is committed to agriculture in America and rural America and the research that we certainly exemplify at Michigan State,” said Stabenow earlier this …
What is Best in New Farm Bill
Before we get to the Farm Bill let’s look at our latest ZimmPoll which asked the question, “Could drones (UAV’s) serve a purpose on your operation?” Well over half of the voters this week said that drones could in fact serve a purpose on their operation. Price is still a factor and may be the reason that some operations would …
Congratulations! It’s a Farm Bill
After a what seemed to be a never-ending labor process, Congress has finally delivered a new farm bill – well past its 2012 due date. Everyone has something to say about the overdue bill, so we’ll take the releases in the order they came. First to pass out cigars is the American Soybean Association (ASA). “We are relieved and pleased …
Senate Passes Farm Bill – Not Your Father’s FB
The Senate just passed the Farm Bill. The vote was 68-32. Now it’s on to the President’s desk. I’m just waiting on the press releases to start showing up. Curiously, I got one before the vote! From Senator Debbie Stabenow’s website: The U.S. Senate today voted overwhelmingly to approve the bipartisan Farm Bill authored by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman …
Why One Democrat Voted for Farm Bill
More Democrats than Republicans voted against the conference committee farm bill this week in the U.S. House, mostly because of the nutrition program reforms, but 89 did vote in favor despite that and one was Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), former mayor of Kansas City. In an interview today, Rep. Cleaver said it’s not a perfect bill, but it’s the …
Farm Bill Could be Final This Week
Agricultural groups hailed passage of the compromise farm bill by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday and look forward to swift action in the Senate. National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre of Illinois observed the floor vote from the House gallery while visiting the Capitol. “This legislation provides an adequate and flexible farm safety net, as well as …
House Passes Farm Bill
It looks like the House got its work done and passed a Farm Bill. The bill passed 251-166. Now we look to the Senate to get it done on their side which is expected by early next week. You can see a summary of the Agricultural Act of 2014 here.
Farm Bill Could Draw Trade Retaliation
Livestock organizations and food associations are concerned that their members will face economic harm because the farm bill out of conference committee this week makes no changes to the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling law (COOL). Canada and Mexico filed a complaint over the law with the World Trade Organization, which is expected to rule on it next month. If …
Ag Groups React to Farm Bill Conference Report
House and Senate agriculture leaders on Monday released their conference report on a new five-year farm bill that pleases some agricultural interests who just want to get it done, but distressed others. According to a news release from the House Agriculture Committee, the compromise bill “contains major reforms, including eliminating the direct payments program, streamlining and consolidating numerous programs to …