The farm bill is one of many issues that must be addressed after the election. “No one wants to kick this into 2025, because it doesn’t get any easier in ’25,” said Tom Sell, managing partner, Combest, Sell and Associates. “The budget problem is more difficult in ’25 and other political issues will be on the table like tax reform. They want to get it done in this lame duck session. From the farmers’ perspective, they need to get this done.” In addition to the farm bill, Congress will likely consider disaster relief for those affected by recent hurricanes. There will be attempts to add assistance for those hurt by agricultural disasters in 2023 and 2024. A bill called the FARM Act would also provide financial aid for the 2024 crop year as a bridge to the new farm bill. Sell said lawmakers need to hear from farmers about the issues impacting their operations. “Tell them what is important for your farm, whether that is disaster because of crop losses, whether that is just because of the economic realities in lining up finances for the 2025 crop year or what are the important parts of the farm bill from your perspective.”
