Just what should the next farm bill cover? The 2018 Farm Bill is now under consideration, and Congress is holding a range of hearings and listening sessions on key topics to be included in the next version — but what should it include?

In Colorado, both the Colorado Corn Growers Association and the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee want that feedback, so they're turning to a survey. In conjunction with the summer district meetings, the two groups will be conducting a priorities survey.

The groups note that the farm bill will be the main focus of talks at those meetings, so the groups want producers to complete a brief, 10-question survey ahead of the meetings. The aim is to have improved direction for those meetings to take full advantage of the "face time" offered at the events.

Input from the survey provided solid discussions during district meetings recently in Holyoke, Sterling and Greeley, Colo.

The farm bill governs the national food and farm policy, including crop insurance, nutrition and conservation. President Donald Trump's proposed budget includes cuts to current programs, and that will be part of the discussions in Congress as the 2018 Farm Bill is created. The two corn groups note that farmer input will be "vital in making sure CCAC and CCGA leaders effectively relay the priorities of our industry to lawmakers in Washington, D.C.," the groups noted in a statement.

The survey can be completed in two ways. One is online using this Google doc link. The other way is to download a printable version of the document.

For those who elect to use the printed survey, the groups ask that farmers bring the completed survey to the district meetings. You can learn more at coloradocorn.com.

Source: Colorado Corn Growers Association