Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst made the following statement upon the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the 2018 farm bill:
“Farming is unpredictable, and the huge costs of doing business can be lost in a single storm or lack thereof. The farm bill has helped farmers manage these risks for decades so we can survive the bad years and continue to feed, clothe and fuel the world.
“Keeping a strong crop insurance program was one of Missouri Farm Bureau members’ highest priorities in the farm bill negotiations, and this bill does just that. It also makes no major changes to other current farm risk management programs and strengthens provisions related to cotton and dairy production. Ultimately this bill would strengthen the ability of farmers to bounce back from the historic lows in farm income we are currently experiencing.
“We are optimistic about the prospects of the U.S. Senate passing their version of the bill on time and providing certainty for farmers over the next five years. With crop and livestock prices entering their fifth consecutive year of low prices, we need a full five-year farm bill now more than ever.”
