WMG Podcast Policy Series: The 2018 Farm Bill Forecast

Discussions about the 2018 Farm Bill are beginning to crop up. We gathered two U.S. Congressmen, two journalists who cover agriculture policy, a soy and corn farmer, a hunger activist and a man who was part of the 1979 farm tractor invasion of Washington to talk to us about the upcoming bill. And, just for fun, we interviewed a handful of people on the streets of downtown Washington, D.C. to see if they know anything about the Farm Bill.

Listen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonMedia/videos/10155571671797299/

Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-434054066/2018-farm-bill-forecast-wmg-podcast-policy-series


GUEST PANEL

Sara Wyant, the president of Agri-Pulse, has spent years covering agriculture policy and is a well-known name among members of Congress and farm and commodity organizations throughout the country. She gives us the lowdown on the upcoming Farm Bill, including how long it might take to get the bill passed, whether there are any roadblocks, and who the winners and losers might be.

U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA) has experience as an almond rancher in California. He gives us his take on the Farm Bill, outliens his view of the biggest issues, shares what farmers from his district are saying and thinking, and explains his goals for the legislative process.

U.S. Representative Steve King (R-IA) is an agribusinessman who represents a district with a big agriculture presence. He shares his concerns for the fate of crop insurance and the impact of free trade discussions on farmers.

Ron Obermoller is a soy and corn farmer from Minnesota. He and his family are directly impacted each time Congress passes a Farm Bill, so he understands its importance. Ron shares his concerns and issues a long-distance invitation to every Member of Congress.

Larry Matlack, the President of American Agriculture Movement (AAM), was also a participant in the 1979 tractorcade that crawled across the country before finally reaching Washington, D.C. to protest federal farm policies. He recounts the experience and shares why it was so important for him to drive 17 days through bad weather and boring countryside to make his point in the Capitol.

Jim Weill is the President of Food and Research and Action Center. He has been engaged in the fight over the SNAP food program for almost two decades. He talks to us about how SNAP works and the issues that are involved with the program, including the realities behind the battle to support struggling families.

Catherine Boudreau is a journalist who edits POLITICO’s Morning Agriculture report. She outlines what to expect from Congress between now and September 2018, when the current Farm Bill is set to expire.

)
Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade