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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Now that the White House administration has changed hands, so have policies and legislation like the Farm Bill.
    
The Farm Bill was passed in 2008, but the new administration including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, are still finalizing the rules and regulations. We asked a local agriculture specialize what he thinks about an Iowa taking the head agriculture job.

“It's normally positive when someone from close by is in Washington and I think overall he does have a very good, strong ag background and I think that'll be positive. We'll see obviously as policies develop in the new administration," said MU Extension Regional Specialist.

Koenen is pleased that the bill includes conservation measures and a safety net for farmers when they have crop issues like last year's flooding. But, he says there a few concerns concerning the bill.

“The biggest concern I have is that it will be difficult for farmers to understand, and right now they're signing up for things that may have a big impact on them. And the FSA and extension and other people can't really tell them final rules yet because we don't have them,” Koenen said.
    
Koenen hopes to answer farmers' questions when the bill is finalized, which could be in a matter of months.