2023 Farm Bill discussions are ramping up, and various interests are doing their best to secure as much funding as they can for their respective interests.  The complex omnibus bill can have a dramatic influence on agricultural markets because of the risk management components of the bill alone.

Changing commodity program reference prices can impose upward pressure on farm gate prices, a rising tide that establishes a new floor for vast markets.  The current reference price for conventional corn is $3.70, with transactions mostly around the $6/bushel mark. 

Risk management is critical for all producers, but organic growers are at a disadvantage when it comes to Federal Crop Insurance.  The 2023 Farm Bill affords an opportunity to fund the research and data collection needed to inform the development of crop insurance products designed for organic producers. 

Planting date limitations that preclude late corn planting – a common…