5 Ways the New Farm Bill is Good for Wildlife
The 2014 Farm Bill is closer than ever to becoming law; yesterday, House and Senate Agriculture committee leaders agreed on a final version of the farm bill that is a good compromise between the different versions of the farm bill that passed in 2013. The House of Representatives will vote on the new bill tomorrow, and the Senate is expected to vote later this week or next. If the final version passes both chambers, then all it needs is President Obama’s signature to become law. NWF supports the compromise that came out of the conference committee and we urge you to ask your member of Congress to support the bill. Here’s why:
1. A New Provision to Protect Wetlands

A ruddy duck in Henry’s Lake, Idaho. Photo by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant John Gerlach.
2. Guarding Against Dust Bowl 2

Flickr photo by Patrick Emerson
3. New Protection for Grasslands in the Prairie Potholes and Great Plains

Prairie dogs in Wind Canyon National Park. Flickr photo by Matthew Paulson.
4. Funding for Cool Conservation Programs on Farm Land

Farmer plans best way to use EQIP funds for wildlife. Flickr photo by NRCS Oregon.
5. Funding for Alternative Energy Programs

Switchgrass. Flickr photo by USDA
What You Can Do:
Share this post on Twitter and Facebook (use the buttons above), and consider sending your Senator a tweet in support of the bill, including the #2014FarmBill hashtag. You can find a list of Congressional twitter handles here. Here are some suggested tweets you can send (just insert your senator’s twitter handle for the generic handles).
The #2014FarmBill provides $57 billion for conservation to help farmers protect soil, water, & wildlife, @Senator Vote Yes!
It’s been a long wait for the #2014FarmBill, @Senator . Wildlife need you to vote Yes!
Here are 5 Reasons the New Farm Bill is Good for Wildlife: http://bit.ly/Mr2fKs @Senator you should vote Yes!
. @Senator it’s been a long wait for the #2014FarmBill – don’t let wildlife and farmers down, vote Yes!
UPDATE 01/29/2014:
The Farm Bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 251-166. Click this link to see who voted yes and no in the House so you can thank your representative if he/she voted for the farm bill. Next, this bill needs to pass the Senate, so please urge your Senator to vote yes!
UPDATE 02/06/2014:
The Farm Bill also passed the Senate on 02/04/2014 by a vote of 68-32. Check here to see if your Senator voted yes or no, and feel free to drop them a thank you note, call, or tweet. Read our press release and final blog recapping the farm bill, to learn all you need to know about why this is a great win for wildlife.