In recent press conference, Sen. Jerry Moran spoke of the critical challenges facing farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the country. Mistakes and delays in the appropriations process and the failure to pass a new farm bill have caused serious problems for agriculture.

Congress has not passed the 12 appropriations bills, including the one for agriculture, which should have been signed by September 30.

Sen. Moran stated, “As a result, there is no appropriation bill dealing with agriculture that is ready for the President’s signature.” He continued, “Secondly, the Senate Committee on Agriculture has not provided us with a renewed, improved farm bill. We are operating under an extension and I’d expect before the end of the week, we will extend the farm bill one more time.”

Efforts are underway to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government through March, which will also include disaster assistance for areas affected by storms and other disasters, such as Florida, the Carolinas, and Kansas.

Without a new farm bill farmers lack a safety net and cannot plan for the coming year. Without disaster assistance, they won’t have the support needed to get through the planting season. Sen. Moran said if disaster assistance is not included in the resolution, it will not receive support.

Farmers are dealing with rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, and land, while their income is expected to fall by more than 40%. Many farmers, including those in Kansas, are struggling with drought and poor harvests, such as the small wheat crop this year. While crop insurance is essential, it doesn’t provide enough support when disasters persist year after year.

This issue affects not only farmers but also food security in the U.S. and worldwide.

“The point I want to make is this is a real circumstance that has huge consequences not only on the farmers of Kansas and other states across the country but upon the need to meet our hunger needs around the world and the need to meet the nutrition and safety and well-being of Americans across the country,” said Sen. Moran. “I ask my colleagues to make certain that the continuing resolution includes assistance to agricultural producers and it be done in a way that actually meets their needs.”