Agriculture

As a farm-state Congressman, I often find myself educating my colleagues and other officials in Washington, DC about the critical importance of strong agriculture policy-not just here domestically, but around the globe.  I am committed to seeking opportunities and fair treatment for our farmers. With an ever more urban Congress and the complexities of a global agricultural economy, this is often not an easy task. But to keep the family farm alive, it is worth every bit of effort. The family farm contributes enormously to the strength and stability of our rural economies and in towns from coast to coast; consumers enjoy a safe and affordable food supply due to the efficiency and performance of America's family farmers.

But in addition to being the economic backbone of so many of the towns you and I come from, agriculture is also our link to the past, to times when family was the axis around which all things revolved. In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, there are few industries where sons and daughters can work side-by-side with moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas.

Today, the high price of fuel, fertilizer, natural gas, and other input costs are creating financial hardships for many families, farmers and businesses in our state and across the country.  As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have been working to create a better awareness and understanding in Congress of the financial strain farmers are experiencing.  Ensuring the future of our state's agriculture industry is one of my top priorities in Congress.  I will continue my efforts to improve crop insurance, promote additional demand for our commodities through trade, support livestock producers and look for ways we can address these high energy costs.  As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, I will also be leading efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to develop the 2007 Farm Bill.  As this process moves forward I certainly welcome your concerns and suggestions.