"Farm Bill Now"
rally emcees named

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman and Roger Johnson, president of the National Farmers Union (NFU), have been announced as the masters of ceremony for the upcoming "Farm Bill Now" rally.

The event, hosted by AFBF, NFU and a coalition of other agricultural organizations, will take place on Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. in Washington, D.C., at Union Square by the Capitol Reflecting Pool. AFBF and NFU represent the two largest general farm groups in the United States.

"We appreciate all of the work done to date by Congress and look forward to working with the House to get a farm bill passed and into conference as soon as possible," said Stallman. "In light of the drought, it is imperative for America's farmers that a farm bill is passed this year."

The "Farm Bill Now" rally is being held in an effort to raise public awareness of the need for Congress to pass a new, comprehensive, five-year farm bill before current farm programs expire on Sept. 30.

"I'm very pleased to stand beside President Stallman as we represent all rural Americans at this critical time," said Johnson. "With only eight days remaining on the legislative calendar before the current farm bill's expiration, the rally aims to send a strong, unified message to Congress that they must act, and they must act now on the 2012 Farm Bill to ensure the well-being and livelihood of all Americans who benefit from this important piece of legislation."

Leaders from major farm and commodity groups, rural development, livestock, conservation, hunger, consumer and energy organizations will be on hand to address the crowd.

AFBF, NFU and the sponsoring organizations are calling on their members in the agricultural community, media and all supporters of the agriculture sector to join in this event on Capitol Hill.

For more information, visit www.FarmBillNow.com.