Agricultural News
American Farmers & Ranchers DC Delegation Sends Message to Congress: Farmers are Hurting!
Mon, 19 Sep 2016 09:34:35 CDT
The crashing farm economy was front and center in conversations between AFR leaders and Congress during a three-day lobbying effort in Washington, D.C., Sept. 12-14.
"We wanted Congress to know the true impact of the low commodity prices," said Terry Detrick, AFR president. "Many farmers are concerned the wheat crop they are planting right now will be a losing proposition."
U.S. Department of Agriculture market projections reinforce those concerns. During an issue briefing, USDA Chief Economist Rob Johansson told the group the outlook is gloomy.
"When you have record production, both on the grain and livestock side, that's going to put down pressure on the prices," Johansson said. "Producers are going to have to scale back on production; there is just no other way around it."
One possible solution to low prices is expanded export demand. The controversial Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP, now before Congress, is receiving muted support and many predict it will not pass this year. During a meeting with U.S. Rep. Steve Russel (OK-5), the AFR group learned why TPP is not being greeted with open arms.
"You have to look at these trade agreements as a foreign policy issue and a national security issue as much as an economic issue," Russell said. "If it is approved, the member voting states could alter the terms of the agreement amongst themselves without our Congress having oversight. I'm very concerned about that, as we must maintain our sovereignty. If you make an agreement, you can't go back and change it without all of the agreed partners. "I hope this will not pass this year. As a small business owner I am all about free trade but I am also about the United States of America and our workers, our farmers and ranchers. There is a smart way to trade without giving away our national sovereignty."
The new farm bill was also on the discussion list. USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack had a suggestion for farm leaders when they talk to Congress about the farm bill.
"When you talk to your congressman, I want you to open by telling them what you need, rather than how much money can be saved," Vilsack said.
At the end of the day, AFR leader Dustin Tackett, Ft. Cobb, said the trip was definitely worth the effort.
"I think it's been a real positive trip as we have been able to establish relationships with our Congressmen," Tackett said. "I think it has a great impact on Congress when they see us taking time away from our farms and businesses to come to Washington, D.C. I think more people should get involved and see how the political process works."
Source - American Farmers & Ranchers
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