National & World Ag News Headlines NFU Pushing Lawmakers to Pass a Farm Bill in 2012 USAgNet - 04/17/2012 Approximately 75 Farmers Union members from across the country are in Washington, D.C., this week to participate in National Farmers Union's Spring Legislative Fly-In. Farmers Union members will meet with the offices of more than 150 members of Congress and their staff to discuss Farmers Union priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill, including the implementation of a Market-Driven Inventory System (MDIS), which is designed to help during a long-term market collapse. MDIS utilizes a system of farmer-owned commodity inventories, loan rates, and other policy tools to help moderate both extremely low and extremely high commodity prices. "The most valuable thing that our members can do is talk to their members of Congress to share their stories and describe the challenges they face on a daily basis," said NFU President Roger Johnson. "With the farm bill being written this year, this is an important opportunity for family farmers and ranchers to ensure their voices are heard. Congress must understand that a safety net needs to be designed and implemented that focuses on family farmers and provides assistance during difficult times, when markets collapse and when disaster strikes." In addition to the implementation of MDIS, Farmers Union members will advocate for strong energy and livestock programs, as well as completing a farm bill in 2012 rather than extending it into 2013. Johnson says with agriculture programs facing tremendous budgetary pressure, it is critical that the government come up with new ways to save money without sacrificing the safety net on which so many family farmers and ranchers rely. Send this article to a friend Other National Headlines Senate Farm Bill Floor Action Starts Monday Quarterly Midwest Farmland Values Up 15 Percent Research Finds Residual Two-Pass Beneficial in GT Corn USDA Estimates Global Wheat Production to Reach New Record North & South American Corn Growers Form Alliance NDFB Takes Issue with AFBF Crop Insurance Agreement USDA Seeks Apps for Technical Assistance to Rural Businesses Copyright © 2013 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.