Central Minnesota Farmers Vent Farm Bill Frustrations

ST. CLOUD (AP) - Washington's inability to settle on a farm bill is frustrating farmers in Minnesota.

New enrollment in conservation programs has been halted, and farmers worry about disruptions in farm prices next year if no bill is passed.

Melrose dairy farmer Dennis Ritter says the unsettled status is making it tough for him and other producers to plan.

The House and Senate have passed different farm bills. A House-Senate conference committee is set to meet later this month to begin reconciling them.

University of Minnesota Extension educator Dan Martens says this is the time when many farmers are planning for next season with tasks such as negotiating rents for land. But Martens says the lack of a farm bill makes it tough to know what's in store.