Heitkamp: I'm ready to get to work on the Farm Bill
North Dakota farmers and ranchers are no stranger to tough times, but this months-long drought has swallowed up almost all of our state and burned through our usually-lush grasslands unlike anything we’ve seen before. You can’t go anywhere without hearing about how the drought is impacting local farmers and ranchers, which is also affecting local economies and communities.
As I traveled across much of western North Dakota on my two-day, seven-stop drought and Farm Bill tour earlier in August, I wanted to hear from the farmers, ranchers, FSA workers and experts about the challenges they face from the drought and talk about how I can help. And I wanted to hear the priorities of North Dakota producers so I can advocate for them when Congress is putting together the next Farm Bill in 2018.
When I started in the U.S. Senate, one of my first and proudest achievements was helping write, negotiate, and pass a strong Farm Bill in 2014. This drought is a stress test for the Farm Bill which was written during a time of steady rain and high commodity prices – very different than the conditions farmers and ranchers face today. It’s now clear farmers and ranchers need stronger, more expanded safety net programs they can count on so they can better weather tough times, like drought.
During large meetings in Watford City and Mandan -- and in a meeting with over 100 ranchers in Bowman in July -- I spoke with ranchers and agriculture leaders who are really concerned about the drought, including the high cost of hauling in hay and livestock adding to their financial burden. But they are ready to work together to do the best they can during difficult times.
Read more: http://www.inforum.com/opinion/columnists/4320662-heitkamp-im-ready-get-work-farm-bill