Farm bill listening sessions have begun across Illinois, where the state’s farmers have a chance to answer a series of questions and offer up their take on current and future federal farm policy. Believe it or not, conversations about the farm bill will begin soon; Illinois Farm Bureau says the House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders could call hearings on a new farm bill soon. The listening sessions are facilitated by Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois beef, pork, corn and soybean associations.
The first took place last Monday, Nov. 7, in Mount Vernon, but there are more to come:
SHARE YOUR OPINION: Farmers have a chance to offer their take on ag policy at farm bill listening sessions hosted by Illinois Farm Bureau and state farm groups Nov. 22 and Nov. 29.
Tuesday, Nov. 22: Normal, Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Broadway Ave., 10:30 a.m. This will be in association with the WILL Radio Farm Assets Conference. To attend, click on this link.
Tuesday, Nov. 29: Sycamore, DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, 9:30 a.m. Lunch will follow at 11:30 a.m. Register to attend this session at this link.
During the first part of these sessions, attendees can register their opinions using an anonymous electronic keypad. A panel discussion will follow, led by Jonathan Coppess, an assistant professor in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, and representatives of the Illinois chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Results of the polls will be shared after the panel discussion, and there will be further opportunities for input.
“I think it’s an opportunity for our members to tell us what has worked, what hasn’t worked, what they would like to see different in a farm bill as a safety net program and … types of conservation programs,” says Rich Guebert, president of Illinois Farm Bureau.
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