WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate in a 66 to 27 vote passed the 2013 Farm Bill (S. 954) on June 10. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Scott George, a dairy and beef producer from Cody, WY, issued the following statement on the passage of the legislation:
“NCBA is very pleased with today’s passage of the 2013 Farm Bill by the Senate. We commend both Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-MS) for their leadership on this very important piece of legislation. Cattlemen and women have been asking Congress to pass a farm bill which not only provides certainty for agricultural producers nationwide, but also incorporates priorities important to the cattle industry — there is not a livestock title, conservation programs are maintained and the research title is sustained. We are also pleased that disaster assistance programs are included in this legislation which is a positive step toward providing a strong safety net for our producers.
“Passage of a 2013 Farm Bill is not only important to farmers and ranchers, but also to Americans nationwide who enjoy an abundant, safe and affordable food supply. We support the Senate’s passage of this legislation and will continue working with the House as they bring their version of the farm bill to the House floor this month. As Congress moves forward with the 2013 Farm Bill I urge family farmers and ranchers to continue their grassroots efforts and remain involved and engaged in this process.”