As I write this, the news is filled with town hall meetings chock full of protesters more interested in yelling "do your job" than anything else. And perhaps that's the right message, but the delivery method could be improved. For Congress, the answer should be that "We are doing our jobs."

So, what does that mean for the impending debate on a new farm bill? Commodity and farm group leaders involved in the debate over the 2014 Farm Bill talk about it being one of the most contentious in history. It's going to be no surprise to me if this time around it's even worse. So what's a farmer to do?

First, realize there will be a farm bill. Unless Congress has the intestinal fortitude to really reach back and tinker with the Agricultural Act of 1949, they need a new measure as the current bill expires. That 1949 law is permanent legislation that acts as a goad to lawmakers to keep refining the current farm bill. If they let the current farm bill expire, supports and the farm bill revert to that act — with some interesting consequences.

Second, the new farm bill could see some interesting cost pressures as Congress works on a new budget. There is talk of reopening the 2014 Farm Bill as part of current budget talks, but a host of farm groups have made it clear that's not a good idea. However, that doesn't mean the next farm bill can't be constrained by new budget realities, or other issues. And just what do you want in a farm bill?

At this early stage, it's time to start talking. Is your congressman or congresswoman in town? Spend some time with him or her. Get a phone call, send an email — or better yet, write an actual letter on paper and mail it to the representative's office. And don't forget your senators, too.

This sounds like a civics lesson, and it is. Many reading this may feel like it's time to farm without the farm bill and that its programs just "prop up the weaker guy." That may be true, but we're also facing a global farm economy unlike any we've seen, so a little support is a good thing for all.

Don't forget that crop insurance falls into this farm bill, too — and there are few that would want crop insurance to go away, either. And if you do, more power to you. So whatever your take on the farm bill is, now's the time to start that congressional conversation. Sure they have a lot on their minds, but that's why they get the big bucks — and they all work for you.

No separation, please
There's one issue that keeps popping up. It's the idea of separating the food programs from the farm programs in USDA. It's actually part of the Republican platform, but it’s a nonstarter if you think about it. Without those food programs that make up the vast majority of the USDA budget, no one would listen to the department — or agriculture.

U.S. farmers represent 1% of the population. That's a tiny voice when a lot of other people can really scream — hence the reason consumer food companies keep listening to the anti-GMO crowd. Without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and others in the farm budget, Congress would probably not pay any attention at all.

Keep that as status quo going forward. Make your voice heard. And hopefully, what comes out of the other end of that sausage-making machine they call Congress will be palatable.