The next phase of the farm bill debate may take place behind the scenes rather than on the Senate floor. Russell Group President Randy Russell expects House and Senate Agriculture Committee staff to begin reconciling differences between their bills. “The thought would be when Congress comes back in the lame-duck session of Congress after the election that they will hopefully take it up and add it to a must-pass bill like a funding bill and get it done.” Russell is cautiously optimistic about completing the legislation this year. Another round of economic assistance for farmers continues to be discussed in Washington. Russell said there is significant interest in providing additional help, potentially in the $10 billion to $12 billion range. “I think that’ll be something too that gets added to an end-of-the-year spending package.”
