SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Some agriculture lobbyists believe a farm bill won't be done until 2019 and it will be 10% lower than the current program.
South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says that's the wrong direction because family farms need a more secure safety net.
Sombke says producers are challenged with low commodity prices and the marketing process. "There's a lot of pressures they're under right now and then also considering the uncertainty of the trade issues too."
Sombke says he's glad to hear Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts is holding the first farm bill hearing two weeks from today in Manhattan, Kansas.
He says there are a lot of men and women trying to do everything they can just to keep their heads above water. He says it's imperative that farmers and ranchers contact their congressmen and attend farm bill hearings.
Sombke says if the next farm bill doesn't provide financial assistance for farmers, the economy will get worse.
He does believe it comes down "to the fact that USDA is handcuffed by Congress, and what they can do with the farm bill, and that's something that needs to be addressed."
Sombke hopes the Senate will confirm Ag Secretary Nominee Sonny Perdue quickly so work can begin sooner than later on a new farm bill.