MANHATTAN – Kansas Farm Bureau President Steve Baccus on Tuesday welcomed final passage of the farm bill.

“This bill gives Kansas farmers and ranchers the certainty they need,” said Baccus, an Ottawa County grain farmer. “It strengthens crop insurance, helps stockmen who’ve been hammered by natural disasters and improves conservation programs.”

Baccus acknowledged the final bill is not perfect.

“While there are certainly programs or titles for which Kansas Farm Bureau might have selected a different path, the uncertainty and unpredictability surrounding farm programs has become extremely burdensome for our farmers and ranchers and has begun to impede everyday business opportunities,” he said.

“Once the bill becomes law, Kansas Farm Bureau looks forward to working with Congress to ensure Kansas farmers and ranchers can continue to feed, fuel and clothe an ever-growing population and strengthen our rural communities.”