What is “The Farm Bill”

One of the most impactful pieces of legislation in our country is “The Farm Bill”.  It's easy to hear the name and immediately attribute all of its legislative glory to Agriculture, but that is not necessarily the case.  In fact, less than 20 percent of the bill is actually agriculture related.  Still, as we move toward newly elected officials taking office, it is a good to ask, what exactly is in the farm bill and is it really that important?  Does either side of the aisle really have an impact, or is this actually the one thing everyone works together on?  How does passing a “Farm Bill” impact the life of the everyday citizen?  Lastly, with pun intended, why does it take an act of Congress to pass something so vital to our future?  There are tons of questions that always circulate a “Farm Bill” and unfortunately, as of late, we have not received many answers.  

  The farm bill is the foundation of United States agricultural and food/nutrition policy. Every five years, congress should pass a new farm bill with up to date prices and costs to help alleviate risk for the producer.  Some of these assistance programs include but are not limited to, crop insurance, energy, international trade, and local food assistance programs.  It is also considered an extremely successful conservation program, as it can incentivise soil health, climate change, clean water and wildlife habitats.  Additionally, nutrition assistance for families should be adjusted, as inflation continues to hurt wallets across America.  Obviously, it is critical to agriculture, ag producers, and the livelihoods of most rural Americans, but it is most definitely not limited in that facet. 

  Texas received almost $5 Billion from the farm bill and was still not at the top of the recipient list.  Iowa takes the top spot.  That does sound like a lot of money, but over the last four years input costs have drastically increased to extreme levels, specifically equipment maintenance, fuel, and labor, while commodity prices have dropped to levels not seen in decades.  This sets in grave uncertainty for most agriculture producers in Texas, especially with the lack of rain in certain areas-Kinney County can surely attest to that.  This is why it is so important to get a farm bill passed.  Most Democrats only want the farm bill passed with an increased percentage of SNAP money, while certain Republicans, some of which have never voted yes for a farm bill, are against an increase in assistance spending whatsoever, thus will vote no regardless. When the proverbial force meets an immovable object, lives are a stake, and our national security can become  an issue.  We soon become more reliant on others, when in all actuality, the United States is the largest exporter in food goods.  

  The reality of it all is that every single person relies on agriculture, and especially with the increased input cost, agriculture can be reliant on legislation.  So, when folks in suits choose to not work together over “principle”, it can become scary when lives are at stake.  It’s easy when it is not their livelihood they are gambling with. This is exactly why it takes so long to get something achieved.  Rumors are spreading about lending institutions not allowing agriculture business lines of operating credit due to the risk being too high because of the outdated prices in the current farm bill, which will have a ripple effect all the way to the consumer if proven to be true.  With all of that being said, it does seem like there is some good news on the horizon.  

 Although the current farm bill is a year overdue, Congress voted to delay discussions until after the election.  Now that the election is over, it does seem like some talks have increased and there may be a farm bill on the floor before the end of the year.  Obviously, it does not mean one will necessarily get passed, but it does mean that at least congress has noticed there is  a need.  Multiple agriculture based organizations, lending organizations, and others have been giving their side of the story to folks in Washington, and it seems as if the tide is turning in a more positive direction. Hopefully it comes sooner than later, or it is quite possible, congress will literally be a day late and a dollar short. 

ABOUT KRIS: Kris Ede grew up in Uvalde on an intense sheep and goat operation that specialized in producing high quality show wethers.  Currently, Kris, wife Sharla, and daughters Reagan and Sutton, reside outside of Uvalde and carry on the family tradition by owning and operating Elledge Livestock.  Kris was on the 2007 Livestock Judging Team at Texas A&M and coached teams as he obtained his Masters Degree in Animal Science at Angelo State.  Kris works for Texas Farm Bureau as a Field Representative, advocating for agriculture across 16 counties in Southwest Texas.  The Ede family has a passion for youth and agriculture and is always willing to help this most important industry.