With a long political agenda and a short calendar of sessions Congressional ag leaders are still discussing a new farm bill before the end of the calendar year. 

Iowa Senator Charles Grassley prefers the certainty of a new farm bill to another extension of outdated policy. Economists are anticipating the Feds next steps in managing financial policy. 

Agriculture leaders at today's Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City suggested a period of tight margins and low farm income for U.S. growers. 

Agriculture lenders echo comments by farmers to legislators this week about the need for a new farm bill with risk management tools that better reflect today's ag economy. 

The USDA September Crop Production Report indicates higher crop production and lower commodity prices for the year ahead adding to financial woes for U.S. producers.