Senate Passes Farm Bill | Video

Jessica Roose | 6/21/2012

The U.S. Senate just passed its version of a new Farm Bill this afternoon with a bipartisan vote of 64 to 35. Farmers in North Dakota are paying close attention to what`s going on in Washington. That`s because the new Farm Bill legislation that passed out of the Senate will have a big effect on their operations.

"We are getting more cuts than we put up to the plate and we`re probably going to have to try and defend some of these cuts, you know as it goes into the house. Hopefully we can get some of this stuff back," said farmer Kenny Graner.

The biggest cut to producers is the elimination of the direct payments program.

"Our farmers have been saying they want enhanced crop insurance as a risk management tool. We strengthened crop insurance," said Senator John Hoeven.

In the past, crop insurance has only covered a major loss of more than 25 percent. Under the current bill, it would also include shallow losses.

"So that farmers would be able to recover some of their losses up to 25 percent. Farm and ranch families all across the country told us it would be an important improvement to crop insurance," said Senator Kent Conrad.

Graner says it is an improvement. He added that crop insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use but can remember one time five years ago where he did.

"About half of our operation was crushed by hail and, of course, then our federal crop insurance kicked in because we fell below our yield."

The bill reduces mandatory spending by $23 billion. Both Senators Hoeven and Conrad voted to pass the bill.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration. Congress needs to pass a new one before the current bill expires on September 30.

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