North Dakota Senator pushes for farmer-friendly farm bill

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota Senator John Hoeven laid out his vision for the next Farm Bill at the Grain Dealers Association Annual Convention, highlighting key priorities aimed at strengthening risk management, expanding markets, and easing the regulatory burden on producers. 

• Crop Insurance Enhancements: Hoeven, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized the importance of robust crop insurance, the backbone of risk management for many farmers. He advocated for improvements to affordability and coverage levels, aiming to better equip producers against natural disasters and lessen reliance on ad-hoc assistance. 
• Modernized Safety Nets: Hoeven called for updating the counter-cyclical safety net, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. He stressed the need for reference prices that reflect current market realities and production costs. 
• Global Market Access: Boosting export promotion programs is another key priority for Hoeven. He aims to open new markets for producers and expand existing ones, ensuring access to a global customer base. 
• Easing the Credit Squeeze: Hoeven championed his legislation to modernize Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan limits, ensuring adequate credit availability for farmers and agribusinesses. 
• Farmer-Driven Solutions: Hoeven emphasized the importance of voluntary, farmer-friendly programs that cater to diverse needs rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. He seeks to reduce the regulatory burden on producers while maintaining necessary safeguards. 
• Reliable Transportation: Recognizing the critical role of transportation infrastructure, Hoeven remains committed to securing reliable rail services for producers and agri-businesses. He builds on his past efforts with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and rail companies to address disruptions and ensure efficient transport. 
• Continuing the Conversation: Hoeven reiterated the importance of ongoing engagement with producers. He views today's meeting as part of a continuous effort to gather feedback from North Dakota farmers and ranchers, shaping the next Farm Bill to best serve their needs. This ongoing dialogue includes regular meetings with local producers and facilitating interactions with key officials like Senator Boozman, FSA Administrator Ducheneaux, RMA Administrator Bunger, and USFS Deputy Chief French. 

By focusing on market-driven safety nets, expanding market opportunities, easing credit constraints, and streamlining regulations, Hoeven's vision for the next Farm Bill seeks to empower North Dakota producers and strengthen their position in the global market.