Closeup of United States Capital buildingHundreds of U.S. agriculture groups banded together to write Congress about agriculture’s budgetary needs in the upcoming farm bill. A total of 400 groups signed the letter hoping that new and veteran congressional leaders in the nation’s capital see the value in agriculture when finalizing their 2024 budget. Daryl Cates, a soybean farmer from Illinois and American Soybean Association president, noted optimism from recent meetings with Congress and the administration.

However, the letter also mentions the litany of headwinds facing the industry in 2023. From volatility with trading partners and the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine to devastating natural disasters impacting the majority of U.S. farmers and ranchers over the last five years, the groups noted that protecting crop insurance along with enhancements will be vital in helping producers through the next five years.

Read more on the letter including the contents of the full letter here.