Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee John Hoeven of North Dakota said earlier this week his chamber’s version of the ag appropriations bill for the coming year will include full funding for federal programs including support for crop insurance. In addition to providing funding for multiple high-profile innovation and research programs, the bill also specifically increases funding for farm-direct loans to account for increased consumer demand for products bought directly from farmers. It also includes $10 million to help fund mental health support and resources for farmers and ranchers. Lawmakers involved in moving the bill toward law say they hope to have it ratified by mid-December. See more details on the Senate Ag Appropriations bill.