In 2024, grain farm incomes will be low and, in many cases, negative (see farmdoc daily, October 8, 2024). In recent weeks, hurricanes Helene and Milton have also caused extensive damage to many farmers caught in their paths (see e.g., Zimmerman, October 21, 2024; Wilder, October 18, 2024; Blake, October 14, 2024; Munch, October 8, 2024). Congress remains in recess through election day, November 5, 2024, but the push for federal relief is growing (Wiesemeyer, October 18, 2024). Federal policy responses in the lame duck are likely and include: 1) extending the current or passing a new farm bill and 2) passing an ad hoc, supplemental, or emergency disaster assistance package. In today’s article we discuss the implications of those possibilities.
