Congress returned from its August recess this week as the September 30 deadline to pass a new farm bill draws near. Negotiators view the actual deadline to be the end of the year when essential commodity programs expire.

Key commodity groups descended on Capitol Hill this week to pressure lawmakers. They include The National Association of Wheat Growers, National Association of Corn Growers, American Soybean Association, National Farmers Union, National Cotton Council, U.S. Peanut Federation, Southwest Council of Agribusiness, National Sorghum Producers, USA Rice, Farm Credit and American Bankers Association.

Leaders of commodity groups argue that waiting too long for a farm bill or another extension could create problems for producers. More than 300 state and national agricultural groups signed a letter sent to congressional leaders on September 9 urging action on a new farm bill.

In the face of a looming government funding fight ahead of an October 1 deadline, the House unveiled a stopgap funding bill on Friday that does not include a farm bill extension. Lawmakers expressed an interest in waiting for an extension until after the election.

Read more on the plight of the farm bill here.