There was a time when agricultural economists who focus on farm policy didn’t take a position on a farm bill proposal. At least the authors of this article were taught by our mentors…just describe what’s in a policy proposal and don’t take a position…that’s not your job. Good and bad was for others to decide…primarily elected officials since it is, in fact, their job. Those days are over. In the last two weeks since the House Agriculture Committee majority released details of their bill, there has been a steady stream of articles talking about the proposal’s reference price increases as being tilted to the South and Southern crops.
We thought we would instead try to provide facts and information that you can use to help decide whether any proposed bill—House or Senate—is providing a safety net for all U.S. farmers. [READ MORE]