Regional Drought Response, Hindered By Lack Of Farm Bill

Agricultural producers at a regional USDA meeting on drought complained to U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack that lack of a farm bill is complicating response to the ongoing disaster. Vilsack was at the first regional drought response meeting held in Omaha on Tuesday,

"There is a uniform agreement here that we need a farm bill and we need the tools that a farm bill would provide in more comprehensively responding to a disaster circumstance."

Vilsack says the drought is a graphic reminder to lawmakers and others who want to delay passage of a farm bill and cut Ag supports, that there is a need for disaster programs and a safety net. The last farm bill expired at the end of September.