As Congress brokered a surprise deal to avoid a government shutdown, the 2018 Farm Bill quietly expired. This leaves the fate of many federal agriculture and nutrition programs unclear until new legislation is passed. Despite this, farmers probably won’t feel any effects for at least a few months.
No farm bill means smaller initiatives like trade, research and rural development programs may pause or not make additional commitments. For example, the Conservation Reserve Program can continue making payments on existing contracts and enrolled acreage but may not be able to offer new…
