Agricultural News
NFU President Wonders If 2018 Farm Bill is Adequate In The Face Of Substantial Challenges Ahead
Tue, 19 Feb 2019 05:03:21 CST
August 2018 Farm Income Forecast from the USDA gave us grim news. Farm business average net cash farm income has been declining for the last 4 years. Farmers and ranchers just getting started have seen increasing costs, locked in high cost assets, prices depressed, and they just don't have the same kind of staying power as those who have had many years to build up equity.
In a recent interview at the 2019 American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union Convention with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson questions if the Farm Bill passed late 2018 is inadequate for dealing with the challenges it is set to face. You can listen to his reasoning in their complete conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.
"World is changing in respect to free trade," observes Johnson. "WTL may be unable to resolve disputes among countries."
On the heels of a huge trade war with China, suggestions are made to call on Congress to review the safety net in place for agriculture. This difficult time for agriculture is incongruent, yet comparable, to that of the 80s. Delays and disruption in trade, lost export markets, a damaged reputation are culminating to a depressed income scenario that could last for some time.
"Net farm income is about half of what it was five years ago. I fear we may lose a new generation in farmers and ranchers," admits Johnson.
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