Uncertainty for Montana farmers and ranchers while waiting for new Farm Bill

HELENA — For the last two years, Congress has debated a new “Farm Bill”: a major piece of legislation setting agriculture policy and spending for years to come. But in both cases, lawmakers were only able to agree to extend the current farm bill – one year at a time.

(Watch the video for more on how the uncertainty on the farm bill affects Montana.) Uncertainty for Montana farmers and ranchers while waiting for new Farm Bill

It’s generally expected a federal farm bill will last five years. The one now in place dates back to 2018, and was originally set to expire in 2023.

Scott Kulbeck, executive vice president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, says not having a full new farm bill puts farmers and ranchers in an unclear position.

“Without it, there's a lot of uncertainty,” he sa