The biggest hurdle, the SNAP work requirements, has already been crossed- climate provisions won’t stop the bill.

Nebraska’s Congressional delegation met with state commodity groups and other stakeholders Monday for several farm bill listening sessions.  Congressmen Don Bacon, a member of the House Ag Committee, says lawmakers likely removed the biggest hurdle by agreeing on work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program when the debt ceiling was increased.  “That was going to be the biggest point of contention, and I think it’s already off the table. They already debated it for two months and they came up with a handshake deal.” Senator Pete Ricketts says he’s prioritizing keeping chocolate milk in schools after USDA proposed a ban on the product due to concerns about childhood obesity. “Sometimes these (young people) that’s the only solid meal that they’re getting all day.  We want them to have a healthy meal that involves dairy that’s a part of having strong bones.  This is a huge mistake.” Congressman Adrian Smith says the farm bill needs to include programs and funding that help increase productivity for producers.  “We want the agility for producers to be able to innovate for the future, hopefully smooth things out economically for themselves and to also constantly be thinking about the future.” Congressman Mike Flood says he’s working to secure funding to add more researchers to a USDA precision ag research facility at the University of Nebraska’s Innovation Campus.  “To find ways to grow corn with less water, apply the right amount of nitrogen, do what we can every step of the way to protect the environment and make sure our farmers and ranchers are profitable.”