. >> reporter: garry niemeyer is a third generation farmer from illinois and a vice president of the national corn growers association. he's fighting for programs that pay farmers when they lose their crops. >> we have to have that reliability of knowing that we can continue to farm. the $283 billion farm bill is up for renewal in congress next year. it's a huge piece of legislation that lasts for several years. most of the money is for nutrition programs, like school lunches and food stamps. but there's a fight brewing over how much money farmers should get for things like direct payments based on the amount of land a farmer owns, crop insurance and the acre program, which provides replacement income if crop prices drop. >> there are myths and legends that surround farming. >> reporter: agricultural economics professor vincent smith worked with the american enterprise institute to research the 2012 farm bill. he says while farmers needed a hand from the federal government in the past, that help just isn't necessary today. >> farm families are wealthier. they have higher incomes. the