Senate Majority Leader John Thune is promoting a new five-year farm bill that he says would deliver stronger support for South Dakota farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
The proposal, introduced by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, is scheduled for committee consideration this week.
According to Thune, the bill would strengthen crop insurance and commodity programs, update farm loan options for beginning farmers and ranchers, and provide additional assistance for livestock producers impacted by drought and severe weather.
The legislation also includes a provision championed by Thune that would expand grazing opportunities on Conservation Reserve Program lands and increase payment limits for participating landowners.
In addition to agriculture-related measures, the bill would invest in rural water systems, broadband access, health care, and community development projects.
Thune also highlighted a provision that would make the year-round sale of E15 gasoline permanent nationwide. He says the change would support ethanol producers, expand markets for corn growers, and help keep fuel prices affordable for consumers.
The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to begin work on the legislation Thursday.
