Local Farmers Excited For New 5 Year Farm Bill [AUDIO]

UNDATED -- Farmers across the state are relieved as a bipartisan agreement on a new five-year Farm Bill passed through the House yesterday (Wednesday).

The bill includes $900 million in funding for renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

It also contains $100 million in support for farmers who are just starting out.

U.S. Senator Al Franken, who authored several key items in the bill, says it's a step in the right direction.

John Mages, of Belgrade, serves on the board of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. He says the bill contains many of their requests, including protecting crop insurance.

Part of the bill includes the end of direct payments. Which Mages says farmers knew they would need to part with.

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the bill within the next week.