Friday morning, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass the 2018 Farm Bill. After a largely party line vote of 198 – 213 against the bill, the Speaker moved to postpone a vote to reconsider the bill.
“We are already starting to hear from farmers across the nation, many of whom are perplexed and outraged at this morning’s vote. They are facing very real financial challenges,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall in a statement. “We call on all members of Congress not to use farmers and ranchers as pawns in a political game. The risk management tools of the farm bill are too important, particularly at a time of depressed farm prices. We urge the House to pass H.R. 2 as soon as possible.”
The farm bill provides vital programs for agriculture including crop insurance, rural development, conservation as well the food stamp program. Without it, farmers are left without necessary mechanisms to grow a safe and sustainable food supply.
Commodity prices are the worst they have been since the 1980’s. The downward trend is expected to continue, dropping a total of forty percent less in the next two years. Programs within the Farm Bill will help our food producers stay afloat during these difficult times.
It is unknown at this time when the Farm Bill is expected to be up for a reconsideration vote.
Plows and Politics 
Please vote yes for the farm bill. The very livelihood of farmers depends on it. Have you considered where we would be without farmers, who grow the food to feed America and many other countries?
If America wants to continue to eat this bill must be passed. I pray that the legislators will seek the Lord’s. Advice on this bill.As a farmer’s widow and the mother of a farmer this bill must pass. The public has no idea of how hard the farmer work’s every day. Please help us to stay in business. May God bless each of you.