The Environmental Quality Incentives Program will take on a broader role, with more dollars and longer contracts, as it emerges under 2018 farm bill provisions.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has vetoed legislation to start the process of allowing industrial hemp growth there, saying the state is “not yet ready” for the crop.

The National Farmers Union argues that despite hard-fought gains scored in the 2018 farm bill, it’s urgent to build on these gains by launching new federal incentives to curb U.S. ag production in order to raise farm income.

Advocates for dairy farmers pressed USDA officials at a farm bill listening session to move quickly to get payments to financially strapped producers, while other groups urged the department to put a priority on removing barriers to cover crops and scheduling signups for major conservation programs.