GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Leaders of Upper Midwest farm groups are upset that Congress has extended the current farm bill rather than pass new legislation.

The one-year extension of portions of the expired 2008 farm bill is part of the legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff” of major tax increases and spending cuts due to take effect with the new year. The extension keeps milk prices from rising but excludes other provisions such as disaster aid for farmers.

Leaders of some farm groups tell Agweek the extension gives Congress more time to cut spending on programs that provide an income safety net for farmers and an affordable food supply for consumers.

North Dakota Farmers Union President Woody Barth said in a statement that Congress is playing politics at the expense of farmers and ranchers.