Farm bill

The farm bill’s current price thresholds don’t reflect higher production costs like gas, machinery and chemicals, all of which have gotten more expensive.

Purdue’s Farmer Sentiment Index hit an 8-year low in August.

Will there be a new Farm Bill this year? Will the Federal Reserve cut interest rates? These are a few of the questions top of mind for Brian Duncan, farmer and president of the Illinois Farm Bureau.

The average age of farmers is increasing as young aspiring farmers face financial barrier to starting up.

The current bill, which funds everything from crop insurance to nutrition programs, was set to expire back in September. Congress gave itself a yearlong extension to negotiate an update — but it could take even longer than that.

Most day care centers cater to parents with 9-to-5 jobs. New funding could help child care facilities expand their offerings.

Some farmers say their business models depend on the crop insurance and getting rid of the program would drive up food prices.

If an extension or replacement bill isn't passed by the new year, there could be major consequences for farmers and consumers.

Congress will be debating food aid programs covered by the bill, just as pandemic-era funding increases for food aid expire while grocery costs remain high.

Advocates for everything from nutrition programs to tribal food sovereignty to climate and sustainability initiatives will be keeping an eye on the bill next year.