Sunset behind the United States Capital in Washington D.C.Congressional lawmakers have indicated there is no intention of passing a short-term extension of the 2018 Farm Bill before the September 30 deadline. Instead, they are now focused on passing a new farm bill. However, lawmakers have a small window to make a deal.

This decision means there will not technically be a farm bill in effect after September. What does this mean for citizens who depend on the program? Current programs remain primarily unchanged until the next calendar year. Commodity programs are based on the year a crop is harvested.

The government permanently funds the current crop insurance programs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue unchanged unless there is a prolonged government shutdown. The majority of conservation programs are funded through fiscal year 2031 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Most producers would not be immediately hurt by the lack of a bill. However, in January 2025, this changes. Dairy farmers would be the first to experience the pain as the Dairy Product Support Program that sets the minimum milk price would revert to prices set in the Agricultural Act of 1949. That would be a parity price of $39.53 per 100 pounds. This would draw unwanted attention to dairy policy.

Read more about the latest effort to revive a farm bill here.