By Scout Nelson
Nebraska agricultural leaders are calling for quick action on a full farm bill as financial pressures mount and critical programs near expiration. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood hopes for passage by the end of the year but says Congress must first focus on avoiding a government shutdown as the new fiscal year begins October 1.
“There's a big case that can be made for passing a full farm bill, and my hope would be get through this government funding situation, and then in December, get the farm bill done,” Flood said. “That would be best-case scenario from where I sit.”
The 2018 farm bill, which provides key support for agriculture, is set to expire September 30 following one-year extensions in 2023 and 2024. Another extension is possible, but state leaders warn that delaying a comprehensive update could harm Nebraska’s largest industry.
Several proposals are gaining attention. John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, said he wants the next farm bill to include year-round authorization of E-15 fuel, mandatory country-of-origin labeling, and expanded biofuel policy. “It's not just updating what's already there,” he said. “It's also looking at the farm bill and saying, ‘What do we need to do to help Nebraska's number one industry?’”
Economic challenges add urgency. Hansen noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates corn at $3.90 per bushel while production costs average $4.80. Soybeans are estimated at $10.10 per bushel compared to $11.80 in production costs. “I've characterized it as the worst economic downturn since the mid-1980s and I'm a survivor of the 1980s, barely,” he said. “We're in a pretty desperate financial situation.”
Nebraska’s federal delegation is also advancing related measures. Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduced a Precision Ag Package to help with precision equipment purchases and rural broadband expansion. Rep. Adrian Smith is working on farm bill provisions to promote international trade, while Rep. Don Bacon introduced legislation to track and combat foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.
Without an updated farm bill, Nebraska officials warn that income safety nets will weaken and some producers could face severe financial losses, making timely congressional action critical for the state’s agricultural future.
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Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy