House passes farm bill

The House has passed the farm bill on a vote of 213-211.

The legislation, known as the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, authorizes agricultural and nutrition policy for the next five years. Provisions include an expansion of options for ag producers to access nutrient management technical assistance, modernization of the Farm Service Agency Guaranteed Loan Program and an improvement in a farmer’s ability to recover nutrients.

“Protecting our agricultural economy is essential to the sustainability of our rural areas,” said U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12). “I made it a priority to listen to the 10,000 producers in my district so I knew what they needed most. I’m proud of the provisions I fought to have included in this farm bill and will continue moving the ball forward until this legislation is signed into law.”

Illinois Soybean Growers president Lynn Rohrscheib commented following the House vote.

“Farm bill policy is top of mind for Illinois soybean growers. In times of uncertain prices and markets, the farm bill helps provide stability to our soybean producers. As the leading soybean state in the nation, a strong farm bill contributes greatly to our economy,” Rohrscheib said.

The Senate could take up its version of the bill as early as next week and many expect it to pass there as well.