Congress is close to passing a Farm Bill. This legislation has been in the works for many years, but US Representatives and Senators have been unable to compromise on a long-term deal. Representative Kristi Noem tells lawmakers to expect a signed farm bill within a few weeks. South Dakota Representative Scott Ecklund says it’s good news after waiting for three years.
“That should be good for South Dakota, and for South Dakota farmers especially. Then the cattle that were all lost during the Atlas storm, they’re hoping to put retroactivity on the provision that will help cover some of the costs for the ranchers that lost cattle. That really stood out,” Ecklund says.
Besides assistance for livestock producers, South Dakota officials also hope the Farm Bill keeps requirements for country of origin labels, or COOL, on meat packaging so consumers know where their food is coming from. Noem says support for the pine beetle fight is also expected in the forestry title of the farm bill.