Farm bill negotiations are moving slower than expected over the issue of farm subsidy limitations.  The four primary negotiators have indicated some progress on reaching a compromise on this issue.  A deal has been made on the dairy market stabilization program, which until recently was a point of contention. The conference committee is likely to consider the full bill in late January or early February.  The 2008 farm bill authorization (P.L. 110-246 (http://www NULL.gpo NULL.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-110publ246/pdf/PLAW-110publ246 NULL.pdf)) expired on September 30, 2013 and Congress may need to pass a temporary extension of the 2008 law to avoid a spike in dairy and food prices in the coming months.  NADO continues to advocate for passage of a new farm bill with a strong Rural Development title.