US dollar sign?? Jeez, talk about cultural imperialism, its a NZ source reporting in NZ dollars; and the article clearly states that the spending is over ten years. As for questioning Scoop.co.nz as a reputable source, its alot more reputable than some of the sources quoted on FR with alarming regularity, ie Drudge, WorldNetDaily and NewsMax.
This article does what is known in the trade as "front-loading." Putting key points author wants readers to walk away with in first paragraph. Last paragraph then says "...is planned to stand for ten years." A common thing for journalists to use. Even over 10 years, figure given is misleading. This bill includes many, many areas not directly related to DIRECT payments to farmers.
Main thing to carry away, is the idea that US farmers sit on their asses and collect big checks is foolishness. As I said, less than 40% of farmers receive subsidies. Many of those are corporate big boys and wealthy individuals who using farming as a tax write-off, additional income, etc.etc. "The Government loves farmers." True here, and all over the world for that matter.
We must be doing something right though, America feeds the world. Obesity is HUGE problem in our penal facilities. Young children in US are now being counseled re:overeating/proper eating (to avoid obesity). From Afghanistan to the Serengeti, to the homeless shelters in America's inner-cities, it's US food, grown by US farmers.