On Saturday, Congress barely avoided a government shutdown, but left farmers and the food insecure in the lurch as they did nothing to fix the expiring Farm Bill. Now, before there is any panic, the funding already secured for programs will remain as the government remains in operation. What is in question is many of the smaller government ag programs that have no direction beyond the calendar year.
We can rest assured that farmers aren’t completely left blowing in the wind by Congress’ lack of productivity. There are state agencies, such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, that will keep serving the farmers in the state during this uncertain time.
Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig talks about the situation we are in, and what can happen if Congress doesn’t get a budget bill done.
Congress has less than 45 days to get something accomplished or continue to kick the can down the road yet again.
