Farm Bill Stalls

Well that roller coster ride that the Farm Bill has journeyed on took another dramatic turn yesterday. It has been reported that final action on the farm bill conference report is now likely to be in late January. It seems that one of the biggest issues now is between House Speaker Boehner and House Ag Ranking Democrat Collin Peterson over dairy policy.??National Farmers Union's Chandler Goule had this on a renewed threat by Speaker John Boehner on dairy reforms killed earlier in the House - but favored by the Senate

Goule: Dairy is always the last thing that is ever done in every farm bill. When I was on the Hill in 2009 it was the last thing done. I hope that the House leadership will be able to see beyond that singular issue of the importance of getting a comprehensive five-year Farm Bill done."

Dairy Supply Management was championed by Peterson - but opposed by Boehner - who Politico reports has said that if the supply management was included in the proposed the conference report that it would not make to the floor for a vote.

Peterson - seen as a key ally of House Ag Chair Frank Lucas in getting Democratic votes on the House floor - predicted no farm bill if the dairy fight continued. Goule agreed the Speaker needs Peterson to pass a farm bill

Goule: "I definitely think it is safe to say that it will require the Democrats that Peterson says he can deliver to get this bill done to make up for the majority party that will refuse to vote for this bill no matter what."