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American farmers and ranchers face an uncertain future as they navigate through some difficult economic obstacles. President Donald Trump is pursuing an aggressive trade agenda that leaves the agriculture industry in the cross hairs of countries being targeted by U.S. tariffs. They also face low commodity prices. And farmers here in southwest Minnesota can't seem to get a break with the weather, leaving many fields very soggy.
Last week Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar held a public meeting at the Marshall-Lyon County Library to update farmers on the status of the 2018 Farm Bill. One of the farmers in attendance reminded Klobuchar staff members that the low commodity prices don't "cover your basic input costs." His question: "Can we figure out a way to tweak (crop insurance) to make sure we can recover?" He also assured staff members that farmers don't want to make money off the crop insurance. They just want to be able to survive. And that's a reasonable request. After all, it's in America's best interest that it can produce enough food to not only satisfy trading partners, but to be able to adequately supply U.S. supermarkets at reasonable prices. Farmers can only accomplish those goals by surviving.
Klobuchar, via video, informed the farmers that the Senate bill that came out of committee is spurred by a bipartisan effort and includes a number of "safety net" improvements like protecting and expanding crop insurance.
The next day, the Republican-led house narrowly passed its farm bill. Its version toughens work requirements for food stamp recipients. It also renews the current safety net for farmers. Klobuchar told farmers Wednesday that she is hopeful the Senate version will pass before the July Fourth holiday.
The same farmer who asked for crop insurance improvements that will keep farmers in business thanked the senator for the bipartisan effort "to get this farm bill done" and "it's good to see there are still committees that will work together and get something done."
Farmers need to know that Congress has their back during this turbulent time for agriculture.