Measuring Farm Policy, Part 5: Reviewing Assistance for the Major Program Crops

Etymologically, the month now closing likely got its name from the Latin word for “to open” (aperio) and possibly in reference the opening of flowers in the spring (Boeckman, April 9, 2024; Boeckman, January 17, 2024). Much American history has unfolded in April, from George Washington’s inauguration as America’s first president (April 30, 1789), to General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to General U.S. Grant at Appomattox (April 9, 1865), followed by the tragic assassination of President Abraham Lincoln (April 14, 1865). The month’s history also carries the awful assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (April 4, 1968) and the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (April 12, 1945). The Library of Congress was established in April (April 24, 1800). Maybe fittingly, William Shakespeare was also born in this at-times tempestuous month (April 23, 1564). All history aside, this April appears unlikely to witness the opening of the Farm Bill’s reauthorization process but it could be just around the corner (Farm Policy News, April 19, 2024; Abbott, April 22, 2024; Yarrow, April 22, 2024). In continued anticipation, this article continues the series measuring farm policy with a review of the assistance to the major program crops from both the farm payment programs and crop insurance (see e.g., farmdoc daily, April 4, 2024).