The North Dakota Farmers Union is urging Congress to pass a new farm bill, emphasizing that farmers and ranchers can no longer wait for the necessary support.
President Mark Watne stressed that a strong farm safety net, protection against natural disasters, and farmer-friendly conservation programs are crucial for the agricultural community. The current farm bill, originally drafted in 2018, expired in 2023 and was extended until September 30, 2024. Without a new bill or another extension by the end of the year, the sector could face significant uncertainty.
Farmers are under increasing pressure, with U.S. net farm income dropping by over $50 billion since 2022 due to inflation, falling commodity prices, high production costs, and more frequent natural disasters. Watne called for Congress to act promptly, warning that the farm economy could collapse without a resolution. The urgency of the situation is growing, and Watne emphasized the need for lawmakers to set aside their differences and prioritize agricultural stability.
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