President Donald Trump’s proposed 15 percent cut in funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture could have a big impact on Hoosier farmers.
The budget reduction would likely result in cuts to the federal crop insurance program. It’s part of a broader plan to reduce government spending.
Farmers have increased their debt in recent years to compensate for lower commodity prices, leading many lenders to require farmers to carry crop insurance.
Bob White is the Director of National Government Relations for the Indiana Farm Bureau. He says the state’s Congressional delegation isn’t happy with the proposal. While he doesn’t anticipate the full 15 percent cut, White says the debate will impact the majority of Hoosier farmers.
"I would say in the 90 percent of the farmers in Indiana use crop insurance program at their own discretion," he says. "Sometimes it’s demanded by the lenders."
The budget debate starts in the House. Congress must pass a budget by the end of the fiscal year in September.