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Senate Ag Committee begins Farm Bill markup  

The Senate Ag Committee is marking up its version of the farm bill this morning. Many members touted the bipartisan work that went into the Senate Farm Bill.

Ranking member Debbie Stabenow says a tight budget didn’t stop the committee from moving forward.

“While it’s true we face a tight budget, we were still able to work together to protect some of the most important parts of the farm bill,” she says.

Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts say 66 amendments will be considered. Of those amendments South Dakota Senator John Thune says the committee will vote on an amendment that will improve the management of CRP.

“We’re going to vote on a CRP amendment that will increase the acreage cap and greatly improve haying and grazing flexibility without compromising conservation and wildlife benefits,” he says.

Thune, along with Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, is also introducing an amendment to modify the ARC payment calculation.

The markup is expected to continue throughout the day and possibility into Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says farm bill will go to the Senate floor before July 4.