NDFU to Congress: Pass a farm bill now

Today, the state's largest farm organization said it's time for Congress to get a farm bill written.

"Farmers and ranchers have waited long enough," said North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne. "They need a strong farm safety net, protection from natural disasters and farmer-friendly conservation programs."

Watne said farm bills are typically drafted every five years. The current farm bill was drafted in 2018. It expired in 2023, but Congress later extended the bill for one year. That extension expired on Sept. 30. Congress must pass a new farm bill or extend the current one by Dec. 31.

"It's time for Congress to roll up their sleeves, put their differences aside and get this thing done," said Watne. "We need to act before the bottom falls out of the farm economy."

U.S. net farm income has dropped by more than $50 billion since 2022 when adjusted for inflation, according to USDA's Economic Research Service. Falling commodity prices, high input costs, and more frequent and devastating natural disasters are all creating headwinds for North Dakota producers.

To help spur Congress to action, go to ndfu.org and click on "Farm Bill Now."