In the face of the upcoming dairy cliff, the House Republican leadership is considering a temporary extension of the farm bill in order to avoid a massive milk price increase.

For months, congressional leaders have dallied on the farm bill. While they came close to passing a five-year bill over the summer, partisan politics derailed the bill as Speaker of the House John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor refused to bring the bill to a vote.

If a new farm bill is not passed by next Tuesday, however, several major farm programs may expire. In particular, lawmakers are worried about the expiration of dairy price control. Should farm policy revert to 1940s era permanent farm legislation, milk prices may shoot up to $8 a gallon.

In order to avoid this price hike, the House GOP is considering a thirty-day extension of the expired farm bill in order to buy time. Democrats and Republican Chair of the House Agriculture Committee are pushing for a full extension of the farm bill. Ranking House Agriculture Committee member Collin Peterson vehemently attacked the proposal, saying, “The 30-day extension approach is a poor joke on farmers that offers no certainty, just more empty promises from the Republican leadership.”

To learn more about agricultural financing opportunities contact a Farm Plus Financial representative by calling 866-929-5585 or by visiting www.farmloans.com.

Follow us on: Twitter

Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer