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The nations family farmers need a new farm bill now, not next year. The version of farm legislation that passed the U.S. House last month is a good start. The Senate should act quickly to approve a similar bill and send it on to President Bush for his signature. Despite signals that the president favors a delay in farm legislation, it appears the White House position has softened, said North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven. The governor went to Washington a few days ago to lobby for a farm bill. He said the key now is for the Senate to act. Hes right. The House bill passed. Its up to the Senate to overcome resistance to a new bill from Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and others who oppose a bill that includes a safety net for farmers. The onus is on Senate Democrats and Democratic leadership. After all, Democrats are the majority in the Senate. Hoeven has worked well with North Dakotas congressional delegation. Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan see the benefits of a counter-cyclical farm bill a mechanism that provides support when market prices are low. Thats the safety net provision that was missing in the 1996 Freedom to Farm law. Hoeven has been consistent in his support for a farm safety net, going back to his campaign for governor. His willingness to challenge the opposition to a safety net among Republican members of Congress underscores his understanding of the needs of North Dakotas farm families and rural towns. In that regard, hes on the same page as Conrad, Dorgan, Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn. They know a new farm bill is not about politics, but rather is about the health of rural economies. The push to delay farm legislation is being led by Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, the Californian who seems to know more about grapes and almonds than wheat and sugar beets. In a conference call last week with North Dakota agriculture reporters, she said more time is needed so as not to rush into a farm bill that is not in the best interests of farmers. She should reread the House bill, which would appropriate $170 billion over 10 years and create the price-sensitive safety net. Its what farmers and farm state lawmakers have been seeking for years. Finally, a delay is a risky idea because of the escalating demands on the nations resources for the war against terrorism. The claim of Veneman and others that the money will be there next year for farm programs is speculation at best, a misrepresentation at worst. Food production is vital to national security. Family farmers always have stepped up to meet the nations food needs in times of crisis (and all other times too). All they ask is minimal support to take them through years when bad weather and depressed global markets combine to threaten their livelihoods. The House-passed farm bill is a big step in the right direction. The Senate and president should take the other steps to support the nations farmers.