Farm Bill Status

I'm certain that U.S. farmers and ranchers as well as the policy makers are more than ready to have the Farm Bill finished up here in the next month or so. Before heading home for holiday recess, the House approved an interim farm bill extension by a voice vote. The Senate is said to waiting until it can vote on a long-term solution.

Those on the Senate-House Farm Bill Conference are said to be close to a final deal and hopefully there will be floor action in early January.

USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber talks about the optimism he feels as the two year farm bill saga hopefully enters the final stretch.

Glauber: "This has certainly been a unique farm bill debate compared to previous ones I've witnessed but the budget issues and the lines between the House and the Senate in terms as what was proposed have been pretty far apart. Actually I've been pleased -- pleasantly pleased -- that so much progress has been made over the last month or so in terms of the conference moving forward. It looks like there is real resolve to try to get a farm bill. Again whether or not ultimately that they will be able to bridge that gap on budget and other things remains to be seen but the conferees seem really optimistic and I think that is a good sign."

Here's to hoping that the farm bill can be resolved and decided upon within the next 30 days. That would be a very good start to the new year.