GREENWICH, N.Y. — OK, I realize on the surface this question may seem a bit odd, but bear with me while I explain. Actually, I can’t take credit for the explanation, as the analogy was shared with me by a respected veteran of numerous past farm bill cycles, and I really liked it. So here goes:
The difference between one farm bill and another is like standing 100 feet away from a truck. To most people at that distance, it’s just a truck. But ask farm kids the difference between those two trucks, and they could probably pick them apart for hours. Is it a Ford or a Chevy? Dodge, GMC or good heavens even a Toyota? Does it have an aluminum bed? How long is the bed? Is it a ½-ton, ¾-ton or more, because when it comes to hauling, a heavier suspension is key? Where was it manufactured? And the discussion goes on.
A farm bill is much the same. To most people on the outside looking in, there may not be much difference from one to the next. The major areas of a farm bill, called titles, encompass commodity revenue supports, farm credit, trade, agricultural conservation, research, rural development, energy, food programs, among other things. These areas often don’t change, so the casual observer just shrugs and moves on with their life.
But to U.S. farmers, educators, researchers, legislators, agribusinesses and others impacted by the details of a farm bill, adjustments in funding from one title to another or even within a title could have a significant impact on their world over the next five years or so.
To play off the sports themes of my past columns, these titles are akin to a farm bill roster. They are the positions on a team that need to be filled, and while casual sports fans just care that the roster is full so they can catch a game every so often, the diehards will scrutinize every element of every player filling each spot. What is their 40-yard dash time? Vertical leap? How accurate is their throw or shot? Can they see the floor or field well? Do they care about the team more than self? And just like the truck analogy above, the debate can go on seemingly to infinity.
So where does this scrutiny happen within a farm bill? Unlike a lot of political debates that take place in Washington, the administration usually takes a back seat when crafting a farm bill. Congress tends to take the lead, and that’s a good thing, because everyone really wants a bipartisan process — that’s the way democracy is supposed to work. And unlike most other bills these days in the increasingly bipolar Capital, the farm bill usually breaks down more along regional lines than political lines.
What does that look like? Legislators in the South push for more support for cotton, peanuts and rice. Those in the Midwest are championing corn and soybean revenue assistance programs. Who should get a bigger piece of the pie? In the past, these debates have been dynamic and contentious before an agreement is finally reached. Wheat often feels like a bit of an outsider, trying to figure out where they best fit. In recent years, sorghum interests are trying to convince people they are a serious grain crop too and need to be considered. And specialty crops such as fruits and vegetables have been invited to the farm bill adult table now and have no interest in being relegated back to their previous kids’ seat.
Then there is sugar. While most common folk, especially those in the North, probably don’t even think of sugar when agriculture is discussed, sugar interests have very deep pockets, and the sweet commodity has an oversized influence on what happens in a farm bill. As one pundit told me, “Unless you’ve decided this is your last term in Congress, you leave sugar alone.”
There is the seemingly never-ending debate between regions of the country regarding how dairy should be priced via milk marketing orders or some other means. In fact, I once had someone tell me nobody really understands how milk pricing works in this country, and that statement came from a veteran university dairy economist!
Hemp language made an appearance in the 2018 Farm Bill. Will it be an enduring part of the discussion or just a flash in the pan? These are just some of the discussions that will take place, and they’re all within Title 1, Commodity Programs. The farm bill in its current form has 12 titles. The Conservation title has grown in significance in recent years and isn’t going anywhere. The Energy title includes renewable energy systems — have you heard anything about renewables lately? Yeah, just a little. The risk management elements of the Crop Insurance title have really taken off and are always up for debate.
And then there is the big ol’ honkin’ Nutrition title that includes SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs. It will eat up 75% to 85% of the next farm bill’s funding, as it has in the past, so clearly that elephant in the room can’t be ignored. What to do with it could be a huge factor in whether or not a new farm bill gets accomplished on time or is seriously delayed. As it was rightfully relayed to me, the Nutrition title is virtually the only USDA program that puts dollar bills in every county in the United States. It is what makes the largely rural-focused farm bill relevant to legislators in all the country’s urban and suburban districts.
You see, the farm bill really is a lot like a good farm truck after all, with plenty of features about which to cuss and discuss. Will the next one resemble a Ford or a Chevy? Or these days, you never know, maybe things could be turned completely upside down and it ends up running on a rechargeable battery instead of a diesel engine. Oh, imagine the fireworks…
Kyle Sharp grew up and lives on his family’s farm near Amanda, Ohio. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural communication. Twenty years in ag media, 10 years operating the family dairy farm, many experiences through 4-H and FFA, and a family with a keen interest in politics have helped him see many sides of farming life.