As the November general election approaches, the countdown is on with only 13 days both chambers of Congress are in session to reconcile the distinct farm bill proposals from the House and Senate. National Sorghum Producers, and the agricultural community at large, remains vigilant, stressing the necessity of a robust framework to ensure continued support. Differences in safety nets, conservation efforts and crop insurance between the proposals highlight the urgency and complexity of reaching a compromise that secures the economic stability and prosperity of farm country. Here’s a look at the proposals as they currently stand at the end of July headed into August Recess.

Included in All Three:

• Doubled MAP/FMD funding
• Voluntary base acre update
• Authorization for biofuel orphan programs
• Increased support for beginning farmers and ranchers

Points of Contention:

• Climate guardrails in Conservation Title/IRA funds
• Use of CCC dollars – who has the authority under Section 5
• SNAP payment error rates and cuts to the Thrifty Food Plan
• The timeline forward is tricky given election timelines, appropriation schedules and differences between the Senate, House and partisan politics

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This story originally appeared in the Summer 2024 Issue of Sorghum Grower magazine.