Several agricultural groups are working to have the farm bill be the first order of business when the House of Representatives returns for the lame duck session after the election.  They are urging their members to contact their congressmen before Nov. 6 to “remind them of the consequences” of not having a farm bill by the end of the year.  In a joint statement, the groups stated: “While expiration of farm bill program authorities has little or no effect on some important programs, it has terminated a number of important programs and will very adversely affect many farmers and ranchers, as well as ongoing market development and conservation efforts.”  The groups highlighted the dairy program, the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), specialty crops programs, and energy as some of the programs that are adversely affected by the lack of a new farm bill.  Those signing the letter included the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Pulse Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation, National Sunflower Association, United Fresh Produce Association, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, U.S. Canola Association, and Western Growers Association.