Agriculture

Representing one of the most productive farming regions in the country, I have worked hard on agriculture issues both in Wisconsin and in Washington.  I believe that current agricultural policies are out of date and do not reflect the needs of the average Wisconsin farmer in today’s modern economy.  This is why I have spent my time in Congress fighting to reform and modernize our agriculture policy.  

Additionally, I have highlighted the promise and needs of organic agriculture by founding and co-chairing the Congressional Organic Caucus. I continue to look for new ways to assist small and beginning farmers and those who produce renewable energy on the farm through tax incentives; to expand market opportunities abroad through fair free-trade agreements; and to provide access to an adequate labor supply through reform of the H-2B program.

The past few years have been a very trying time for too many Wisconsin farmers and their families.  Dairy producers and others have faced some of the worst market conditions in decades.  I have heard the personal stories of farmers across western Wisconsin who have gone to extraordinary lengths to get through this crisis.  I have listened and continue to push Congress and the Administration to provide immediate relief to those struggling while also working to craft long-term policies to prevent this situation from happening in the future.

Ron talks with a farmer about agriculture reform.

Farm Bill

Each year the federal government doles out billions of dollars in agricultural subsidies, mostly going to very large farms and agribusinesses that make many times the income of the average American family. During the last two farm bill debates, in 2001 and 2007, I offered major amendments that would take this wasteful spending and re-direct it to areas that benefit the average farmer and rural community. These include:

•    Conservation programs that clean our soil, air, and water and preserve wildlife habitat;
•    Organic assistance for the most rapidly growing sector of the industry;
•    Nutrition programs that help feed needy families;
•    Renewable energy programs that create new markets and make rural America more energy efficient; and
•    Rural development programs that improve the quality of life and opportunity for small towns across our state.

Unfortunately, these amendments were not adopted.  However, I am encouraged by the current Administration’s stated commitment to curbing agriculture subsidies, especially those that go to large agri-business.  As we approach the farm bill debate again, I am continuing to work with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to see these much-needed reforms become law.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Our country is working through one of the most challenging economic times. Falling prices and increasingly tight credit markets are now leaving many farmers in a bind.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 designated funds to provide the Farm Service Agency with $173 million in direct loans to help farmers handle falling commodity prices and purchase the seed for spring planting and feed for their livestock.  The Recovery Act also provided loan guarantees and financing for rural homeowners through the Rural Development Agency to help them keep their homes.

Earlier this year, I learned that the Farm Services Agency had exhausted all of its funds to provide direct and guaranteed loans to our farmers.  I fought for additional resources for the FSA so that credit-worthy farmers aren’t forced to shut down their farms simply because they can’t get the loans they need. I worked with Rep. Dave Obey and Sen. Herb Kohl to ensure that the recently passed 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act included an additional $1 billion in lending authority to help keep our family farms in operation.

Helping Dairy Farmers

Western Wisconsin is home to one of the largest dairy producing regions in the country.  Last fall, both the House of Representatives and the Senate approved the Agriculture Appropriations Act for 2010, which contained $290 million to be paid directly to struggling dairy farmers.  An additional $60 million was designated to be used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for purchasing cheese and other dairy products for food banks to remove excess product from the market to help increase prices.

Additionally, Secretary Vilsack recently formed the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. This committee has begun gathering input from various parts of the industry to help form dairy policies to weather the current environment and plan for the future.  I am glad that a number of qualified farmers, processors, and other industry participants from Wisconsin who I supported are there to represent our state’s interests. The committee’s input will be invaluable as USDA and Congress work together to update national dairy policy for the 21st Century marketplace.

While milk prices have come back from historic lows, Wisconsin farmers and their families have lost a substantial amount of equity and are struggling just to get back to where they were a few years ago. The dramatic drop in prices has made it clear that we need to move forward with a new national dairy policy. This type of policy would change milk prices to reflect how milk is used nationally, not just regionally. Since so much of Wisconsin’s milk is used to produce manufactured dairy products, our producers are often given a lower price for milk than what another farmer in a different part of the country gets for the exact same amount of milk. A national dairy policy would change this and help ensure Wisconsin farmers get a fair shake. I will continue to work with dairy stakeholders to reform our outdated policies and fight for what works for Wisconsin farmers.

Tax Incentives

I have used my position on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee to advocate for tax benefits to meet the needs of farm country and help farmers thrive and innovate. I authored a Biogas Investment Tax Credit to encourage dairy producers to control their animal waste with the use of manure digesters while also producing renewable energy in the form of biogas. This year, I also authored a Rural Microbusiness Investment Credit to help beginning farmers and small businesses make critical investments in their operations so we can keep motivated people on the land.