This week’s Open Mic guest is Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Conner suggests some input challenges may be easing prior to the bulk of the 2022 planting season. He thinks partisan politics on Capitol Hill have Congress stalled legislative action on key ag issues but still believes legislators will come through with a new farm bill next year. Conner says it’s frustrating to see vacancies in key ag negotiating positions at both USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative. While many analysts expect a “flat” budget for the new farm bill, Conner believes agriculture is justified in seeking additional funds for conservation practices.