The anticipated 2023 Farm Bill, a crucial piece of legislation shaping agricultural and food policies every five years, faces delays, causing apprehension among South Dakota farmers.
The U.S. House’s internal issues prompted Congress to extend the deadline to September 30, 2024.
South Dakota Farm Bureau president Scott VanderWal emphasizes the importance of maintaining the crop insurance program as a top priority, alongside other aspects like the commodity title.
The bill also addresses disaster assistance, farm loans, conservation programs, and research grants.
Farmers, represented by advocates like VanderWal and corn/soybean farmer Keith Alverson, express concerns and priorities during their annual advocacy trips to Washington D.C.
U.S. Sen. John Thune acknowledges the extension’s benefit for farmer certainty but suggests a multi-year reauthorization would be preferable.