Farm bill delay has Ag communities thinking about local programs

(WDAY TV) -- Lawmakers in Washington have failed to pass a new farm bill. The old one will expire at the end of the month. That has some in the Ag community wondering how it could affect local programs.

The senate had approved its version of the farm bill, and the house has been working for months to approve a new one, but partisan differences derailed the efforts.

Experts say it will be after the election before work continues on the bill.

Some farmers are concerned about the future of federally subsidized crop insurance.

And many nutrition and food programs could be affected, if the farm bill isn't passed before the first of the year.

Bill Craig/U of M Extension Mgr. says, "Because they are not passing the farm bill now, there are going to be about 40 programs now they are going to be pretty much stopped is extended or something happens."

Craig says those farmers that could be most affected are those ranchers who experienced severe drought conditions that will need federal assistance.

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