The proposed $3 billion cut in the National Crop Insurance Program, could have been bad news for area farmers. The cut was in the original compromise on the budget bill to raise the debt ceiling, however after numerous complaints from farm state legislators the cuts were restored.

Ryan Drollette, Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, says the cuts would’ve been a major inconvenience for farmers. Had the cut remained, it could’ve resulted in fewer companies offering the crop insurance which would’ve resulted in farmers waiting longer on claims. Drollette says the crop insurance program is a small percentage of the money spent on agriculture.