The cattle industry is the latest farm sector to weigh in on its priorities for a still elusive farm bill. National Cattlemen’s Policy Division Chair Kim Brackett says NCBA’s top policy priority is the farm bill.
“But, the question is, is that actually going to happen this year. In my crystal ball, I’m not sure that it is, but we’ll certainly want to keep working on that.”
Echoing the sentiment and predictions of other farm and ranch groups over the continuing farm bill policy and funding disagreements. But should there be a farm bill breakthrough, Bracket tells NCBA’s Beltway Beef podcast, the groups has several specific priorities.
“Making sure that FMD will continue to be funded, vaccine will continue to be funded in that, making sure we don’t have a livestock title, and making sure that there are dollars available for those voluntary conservation programs that our membership does utilize, that’s funded in the farm bill.”
Conservation programs like EQIP made up seven percent or $60 billion of the last farm bill.
Brackett meantime says the cattle industry will continue to push back against animal rights activists and government agency overregulation.
“Whether that’s the BLM landscape health and conservation rule, it’s increasing Endangered Species Act regulation.”
But for now, agriculture continues to operate under the outdated 2018 farm law extended through September 30, with farm bill disagreements complicated by external fights over spending, immigration, and foreign policy.
-NAFB