JOHN WALSH

(U.S. SENATE) — Senator John Walsh today encouraged farmers and ranchers to learn more about benefits available in the 2014 Farm Bill at informational meetings across the state.

This week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Montana State University (MSU) announced they would hold meetings in 28 Montana communities to educate the agricultural community about new Farm Bill programs, including Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCP).

Professionals from MSU will also be on hand to explain the Online Farm Bill Decision Tool, which will allow farmers to explore all their options online starting this fall.

“Montana’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy,” Walsh said. “These sessions are important opportunities for Montanans to learn more about the 2014 Farm Bill and how to apply for new programs.”

Walsh, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, was awarded the Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union for his work fighting for farming and ranching families in Montana.

He recently introduced legislation that would establish a Livestock Disease Initiative and authorize $5 million annually to study bovine brucellosis and other livestock diseases.

For more information and the locations of the 28 information sessions, visit http://fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File.2014mtusdamsufarmbillmtgs.pdf.