RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Senate Majority Leader John Thune is highlighting a new five-year farm bill he says would provide stronger support for South Dakota farmers and ranchers while making year-round sales of E15 fuel permanent.
The proposal, released by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, is scheduled for committee consideration Thursday.
Thune said the bill would strengthen crop insurance and commodity programs, update farm loans for beginning farmers and ranchers, and expand assistance for livestock producers affected by drought and severe weather.
The legislation also includes Thune’s Conservation Reserve Program proposal, which would allow more grazing opportunities on CRP land and increase payment limits for participating landowners.
In addition, the bill would invest in rural water infrastructure, broadband, health care and development, while expanding opportunities for smaller meat processors and increasing transparency in fertilizer pricing.
Thune also pointed to a provision that would permanently allow the year-round sale of E15 gasoline, saying it would benefit both agricultural producers and consumers by supporting homegrown fuel and helping keep gas prices lower.
The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to begin marking up the legislation Thursday.
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