As the end of 2018 approaches, the deadline to pass a new farm bill grows closer. With that date looming, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick sent a letter to each U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly, U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper, and U.S. Congressman Steven Palazzo, encouraging them to work toward the final passage of the bill by the end of the year.

In his letter, McCormick stated “Mississippi farmers are experiencing the fifth consecutive year of low commodity prices, coupled with a tremendous amount of uncertainty in world markets and international trade policy. Our members are struggling to deal with this challenge, and it is critical we have stability for these uncertain times.”

“As you know, the core purpose of a farm bill is to assist farmers and ranchers weathering factors beyond their control, including natural disasters, disease, and high and rising foreign subsidies, tariffs, and non-tariff trade barriers,” he continued. “This is especially true today.Given the economic challenges facing agriculture, our farmers need a farm bill now-before the 2019 crop planning begins.”