Darin Von Ruden is a farmer in the southwestern part of Wisconsin near Westby. His immediate question is whether the $8 billion program will provide meaningful assistance.

"The announcement leaves a larger concern unresolved -- whether short-term payments can adequately offset rising production and transportation expenses," Von Ruden said.

He tells Teri Barr the impact reaches beyond the farm gate, too. It's affecting the businesses that transport agricultural products and the consumers who eventually purchase them."