Congress approves farm bill

Congress has passed a farm bill, which now awaits the president’s approval.

The House legislation, known as the House-Senate Compromise Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R. 2), authorizes agricultural and nutrition policy for the next five years and includes provisions to aid beginning farmers in growing their operations and help existing farmers enhance nutrient management practices.

“House Republicans refused to stop fighting for rural America and today we’ve approved a bill that sets us on a better path – for farmers and ranchers, for rural communities and for the American consumer,” said House Ag Committee Chair K. Michael Conaway (TX-11).

“Sound farm policy provides producers with stability and that’s much needed in today’s down farm economy and the changing trade environment,” added Illinois Soybean Growers Chairwoman Lynn Rohrscheib. “Illinois Soybean Growers applauds the bipartisan efforts that recognized our needs.”

President Trump could sign the bill as early as next week. The vote was possibly the biggest victory ever for a farm bill in the House.