National Corn Growers Association calls Farm Bill payments a shot in the arm

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement last week that it will make risk management program payments in the amount of $7 billion to approximately 1.7 million farms in the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs from the 2015 crop year.
“Farmers are struggling,” NCGA President Wesley Spurlock said. “This is a shot in the arm when they need it most. We advocated for a shift to a market-based program that kicks in only when needed. Now is that time.”
The payments will help farmers who are operating at a loss in 2016 and result in 10 percent of the projected net farm income for the year. Over the past two years, farmers have experienced a 55 percent decline in net farm income.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said  the payments will help provide reassurance to America’s farm families who are standing strong against low commodity prices. 
“Thank you to Secretary Vilsack for being a strong advocate for farmers and rural communities." Spurlack said. "We appreciate USDA’s Farm Service Agency for getting payments out in a timely fashion. Congress can send a strong message of support to America’s farmers by passing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement in 2016, and supporting a strong Renewable Fuel Standard.”