USDA Under Secretary Addresses Farm Bill

The Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation in the United States Department of Agriculture, Bill Northey, was in Fargo Tuesday for the Big Iron Farm Show.

Northey gave an update on the farm bill, which is in conference right now. He says a farm bill is important to farmers, to help them plan for their future. Hoeven echoed Northey’s thoughts on the farm bill, but also said NAFTA is important.

Senator John Hoeven hosted Northey for a roundtable with commodity groups and agriculture producers. Hoeven arranged yesterday’s meeting in order to provide Northey with firsthand knowledge of local producers’ needs as well as input on the agencies and programs overseen by the Under Secretary, including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Hoeven continues his efforts to pass a strong farm bill into law as soon as possible, after which, the senator will work with Northey to implement the legislation and ensure North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers are well-served, receiving the certainty and support they need.