With a standoff over dairy policy, action on a farm bill conference report is likely to slip into late January. Persistent arguments continue between Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) over a new margin insurance initiative for dairy farmers, which would include supply management tools to guard against overproduction, according to Politico.
Peterson argues that implementing supply controls is vital to keep down the cost of the insurance program. Boehner, however, is adamantly against the increased government role through supply management.
After what has already been a two-year struggle, Lucas is trying to work with both sides on multiple options through the latest farm bill delay.
“His statement to me was that if supply management is in it, it’s not coming to the floor. Flat out,” Lucas said about his conversations with Boehner.
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