Rep. Sharice Davids discusses farm bill, what Kansas farmers and ranchers want

As Congress continues work to get a budget bill done, a big question is whether lawmakers can come together this year to work out a new farm bill.

Last year’s session saw the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This happened after lawmakers failed to agree on terms for a new bill. This means that farmers and ranchers haven’t seen a truly new farm bill since 2018.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, representing Kansas’ Third Congressional District, which includes most of the Kansas City metro area, spoke with 12 News on Monday about what Kansas farmers and ranchers want from a new farm bill.

“The biggest message probably is, ‘Get this thing done,’ because we are pretty far past the original reauthorization date at this point,” Davids said. “Things that are really important to the farmers and the ag sector here as well as the nutrition assistance program that are also a part of the farm bill. I know that making sure that crop insurance continues to be continues to be a robust program.”

The latest extension for the farm bill is set to expire in September.