A proposition with many 'ifs'

摘要

Flexibility and price floor popular, but farm bill payments uncertain. So-so." That is how James Overman expresses his enthusiasm about the cotton provisions in the new farm bill. Overman lives in Sunbury, N.C., near the Virginia border, where he grows cotton, peanuts, soybeans and grain sorghum on about 400 acres. Many farmers don't like to be come overly optimistic about any crop. Still, Overman admits, compared with other crops, cotton may be the best option. "Since the peanut program is so messed up, I'm not sure I'll even plant peanuts next year," he says, "Cotton looks pretty good beside peanuts. From what I understand cotton should be in a little better condition in this new farm bill compared to the provisions for cotton in the last one (the freedom to Farm Act)."