Hurricane Disaster Relief & the Lame Duck

Saying the phrase “silver lining” does not feel good, but billions in fresh hurricane disaster aid could come in the lame-duck Congress, offering a possibly even bigger window for farm disaster relief in lieu of a new farm bill or even if there is one.

And that gives the American Farm Bureau and others a better chance to secure Congress’ help for both hurricane-impacted farmers and those underwater from low prices and high costs. American Farm Bureau’s Emily Buckman …

“We do believe that there is a window for that additional assistance. And of course, going back to what Congress has to do at the end of the year, we certainly believe that this will be a part of that conversation.”

Now, it could intensify, though some like Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley caution low prices are generally not considered a disaster, though there have been exceptions…

“A president putting an embargo on exports of our agricultural products that lowered the prices.”

Either way, Buckman says the Farm Bureau and other groups are leaving nothing to chance, either on the languishing farm bill or disaster relief…

“Farm Bureau joined together to sign and send a letter to Congress, urging for an updated farm bill, alongside economic disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers.”

Whether that be market-driven, or driven by mother nature, herself.