Following a series of listening sessions held all over the nation – one of which was held in Illinois at the Farm Progress Show in August – the House Ag Committee is now working to bring awareness to their farm bill priorities for the #nextfarmbill.

You may even remember our electronic photo comments from the Farm Progress Show directly to the House Ag Committee.

Their priorities based on listening session input are:

• Strengthen the farm safety net
• Create ladders of opportunity for SNAP recipients
• Conserve natural resources
• Promote forest management
• Preserve food aid programs
• Encourage trade
• Invest in research to move industry forward
• Strengthen rural communities

Many of these will directly impact corn farmers in Illinois.  Certainly, a strong safety net is on our list, as is an investment in conservation that will help Illinois farmers address nutrient loss and achieve the goals of the nutrient loss reduction strategy.

Trade is always a priority.  Without vibrant trade, corn markets will plummet further than they already are.

Part of the House Ag Committee’s awareness campaign is a weekly video they are calling #FarmBillFriday.  You can watch Sec of Ag Sonny Perdue talk about his goals for the Farm Bill on last week’s #FarmBillFriday here.

Check out the House Ag Committee’s actions and plans at https://agriculture.house.gov/farmbill/