Delay! Delay! Delay!

Mike Pearson tells us how Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack confronted and discussed a series of delays including the farm ill in front of Congress to a model for emissions measurement and hinted more delays could be on the way.

Last Wednesday, Vilsack addressed the Senate Agriculture Committee to discuss the progress of the two times extended 2023 farm bill. He urged congress to be creative when writing the farm bill and to not take funding away from food stamps in the bill. Over 80 percent of the cost of SNAP or what used to be food stamps is the cost of the farm bill.

Stabenow said she would consider delaying the farm bill to 2025 if it would prevent cuts.

Meanwhile, last week, Vilsack was in Houston, Texas to address Commodity Classic. He was expected to unveil modeling of emissions used by government agencies to address environmental impact and why biofuels are so important. He wants modelers to know the best way to support producers when it comes to biofuels.

However, Vilsack told the crowd, the task force was not ready and it will take a few more weeks to finalize rules. He wants lawmakers to know about the climate smart projects by farmers and the carbon sequestering of several hundred conservation practices.

Also, EPA Chief Michael Regan announced there is a new office of the EPA: Office of agriculture and Rural Affairs. Staff member Rod Snyder will head it up and will ensure a continual seat at the EPA table.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.