U.S. House to Tackle Farm Bill Again in July

Jul 02, 2013

U.S. House to Tackle Farm Bill Again in July

House Republicans plan to give the farm bill another look for the second time this year. But Republican leaders are still mulling over what the legislation should look like and are assessing the votes they need to pass it.

The House needs to secure 218 votes to pass a new five-year farm bill. The House farm bill was defeated 195-234 vote, over the controversial food stamp [SNAP] program. Republicans said cuts to the food program weren’t enough, while Democrats said they couldn’t support more cuts on a program used by 48 million Americans.

There has been talk of splitting the farm bill into two – food stamps and farm subsidies, but several representatives including Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) don’t believe there is enough support for splitting the bill. The biggest obstacle in the farm bill is food stamps, which represents 80% of the legislation. The 2008 farm bill extension expires Sept. 30.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.