Rural Revitalization and Farm Bill Extension Does Little
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The New Democrat Coalition unveiled a sweeping Rural Revitalization Agenda aimed at boosting healthcare access, strengthening the farm economy and expanding broadband in underserved communities.
The effort, led by Reps. Kim Schrier of Washington, Jim
Costa of California, April McClain Delaney of Maryland and
Josh Riley of New York, also calls for new investment in small and specialty crop producers, trade and Farm Bill reforms, and ensuring farmers can compete in global markets.
**Association of Equipment Manufacturers data says U.S. ag tractor sales dropped 19% in October compared to year earlier, while combine sales fell 27%.
AEM senior vice president, Curt Blades says this month’s decline in sales follows a slight uptick in September sales.
The biggest drop in tractor sales was in the four-wheel drive segment, which saw a 56% decline.
U.S. combine sales fell 27%. Year-to-date combine sales were down 38%.
**As the federal government reopens, farmers say the temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill offers little relief from rising costs and growing uncertainty.
President Trump’s signature restored funding for the USDA, but the farm law that underpins crop insurance, conservation programs and disaster aid is only short term.
Farmers say the shutdown hindered access to loans and assistance, compounding a difficult year marked by heavy rains, drought and escalating expenses.
