The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, (also known as the farm bill) was posted today by the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee and was met with optimism by the Montana Farm Bureau.

“In these trying economic times for farmers and ranchers, it’s rewarding to see the Senate Ag Committee understands a farm bill needs have quick forward progress,” said Montana Farm Bureau President Hans McPherson. “Montana’s farmers and ranchers deserve to have the farm protection tools they need when the weather is uncooperative. They need to have support in uncertain times surrounding international trade, a mainstay for farmers and ranchers.” 

“We thank the Senate Agriculture Committee, led by Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, for working so hard to address those economic challenges and assemble a bipartisan bill,” the Stevensville diversified farmer noted. 

McPherson said MFBF looks forward to next week’s markup of the bill and seeing the farm bill move forward. 

“We’ll have many of our Montana Farm Bureau farmer and rancher members gathered at Fairmont Hot Spring next week for our Annual Summer Conference,” noted McPherson. “That will be excellent timing for those directly affected by the farm bill to watch its progress closely together. We’re pleased the American Farm Bureau will be working closely with the Senate Ag Committee to ensure this country’s agriculturalists can continue to bring consumers safe, nutritious and abundant food at reasonable prices. We certainly hope the House of Representatives can work out a compromise and pass their version of the farm bill, as well.”