Doug Bereuter: “this Member carefully reviewed the provisions in the conference report for H.R. 2646. Although it contains numerous…”

“this Member carefully reviewed the provisions in the conference report for H.R. 2646. Although it contains numerous positive features, in many ways the conference report is disappointing and unimaginative. This Member is also concerned that it will lead to dramatic increases in production, lower farm prices, and thereby will lead to an early exhaustion of the $73.5 billion increase in funding called for over the next decade. In making a judgment on the conference report, this Member considered the following positive and negative features of the legislation. Specifically, this Member is pleased that the conference report for H.R. 2646 includes these positive aspects: Provides a counter-cyclical approach which will establish a greater safety net for farmers and should eliminate the need for annual emergency assistance. This provision is an especially important and positive feature of this legislation. Retains the planting flexibility, a feature of the current farm program which has been extremely popular with producers. Although the bill is far from perfect, it does provide additional income assurances for producers. To the benefit of the sorghum producers of the Great Plains region, the sorghum loan rate is raised to the level of corn. Gives producers the option to update base acres and yields. Increases funding for conservation programs by 80 percent.”