“Family farmers and ranchers are in the midst of the worst decline in the farm economy in decades, and they want to see action from their federal representatives,” said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson in a Sept. 12 press release. “It is critical right now for family farm agriculture to have the support of Congress and the administration. And that support can come through immediate passage of the farm bill and movement on a long-term, legislative solution that protects family farmers from the significant damage occurring to our trade markets.”

The farm bill is the federal government’s primary tool for agriculture and food policy, containing a wide range of economic and conservation regulations, ranging from nutritional quality in school lunches to international trade of farm products. The lapse could create uncertainty for landowners, sportsmen and the rural economy. 

“Farmers, ranchers and forest owners across the country depend on Farm Bill conservation programs for the tools they need to protect and improve soil, water and wildlife habitat on working lands, and this failure to pass an on-time Farm Bill means that farmers and ranchers will no longer be able to enroll in the full suite of conservation programs over the coming weeks,” said Aviva Glaser, director of agriculture policy at the National Wildlife Federation, in an Oct. 2 press release. 

“The Farm Bill plays a critical role in keeping America’s working lands in working hands and yields significant economic benefits to farms, ranches and communities across our nation … Every day we lack a new Farm Bill is another day we stand to lose another farm or ranch,” added Lori Faeth, government relations director of the Land Trust Alliance.

Impacts extend to sportsmen too, said Brent Rudolf, director of conservation for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. 

“With nearly two-thirds of America’s forests under private ownership, mostly in the hands of families and individuals, the Farm Bill is a critical tool for forest conservation that benefits big game and upland birds,” Rudolph said. 

The House and Senate both passed versions of the bill in June, but they are still in the process of agreeing on a uniform bill that can be approved by both houses. Currently, Republicans hold both the House and the Senate, but when new officials are sworn in following the 2018 elections, the House will flip to a Democratic majority. Republicans are hoping to get a new bill passed during the lame duck session. 

Track the bill at www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2.