Agriculture is the lifeblood of our nation and a cornerstone of North Dakota’s economy. Because of the hard work and dedication by our farmers and ranchers, we lead the country in production of numerous products and grow or raise some of the highest quality commodities in the world. our state is the nation’s top producer of many agriculture products including sunflowers, spring wheat, field peas, dry edible beans, flax, honey, and canola. Our state is also a leader in dozens of other commodities, from sugar beets to potatoes to soybeans. Cattle outnumber people nearly 2-to-1.
If we are going to remain food and energy secure, we need to pass a farm bill. Whether growing beets in the Red River Valley or raising cattle near Killdeer, our producers need reliable policy to make the best decisions for their businesses. With input costs at record levels and volatile global markets, the multiyear farm bill helps stabilize the already risky agricultural economy.
Every five years, we have the opportunity to reopen our core agricultural policy and look at what works and what doesn’t. The best way to do that is to hear directly from the farmers and ranchers who are impacted by these programs. There is no substitute. Just last week, I heard from North Dakotans at farm bill listening sessions in Leeds and McKenzie to get a better sense of the challenges they face and to help formulate policy changes that reflects their reality, not the imagination of Washington bureaucrats.
Source: house.gov
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy