Congress Must Not Ignore Ag Recession

Smith: The American Farm Bureau learned recently that a continuing resolution before Congress didn't contain any financial aid for struggling U.S. farmers and called for a 'no' vote. AFBF President Zippy Duvall says his organization is tired of waiting for needed help.

Duvall: The ag economy is in recession. Farm losses have hit $30 billion, and we've lost over 141,000 farmers in the last report from USDA that have gone out of business, and it's time for Congress to step up and have the farmer's back.

Smith: Duvall says the situation on Capitol Hill is tricky, with more than one barrier in the way.

Duvall: Well, it's kind of hard to identify one thing, especially when negotiations are going on and positions are shifting. We know that we have the support of both Democrats and Republicans on the Ag committees on both the House and Senate side. We know that they found a way to offset the aid, so it really comes down to the leadership setting politics aside and having the will to get it done.

Smith: More than 3,000 farmers have reached out to Congress since Saturday, and Duvall says they need more farmers and ranchers to keep the pressure on Congress.

Duvall: We need to keep up this drumbeat. Congress hasn't done its job for a long time. They keep kicking the can down road on the farm bill for two years now, which is part of the reason farmers in such a tough spot. So, we need farmers to call their members of Congress and to send emails today to say that it's time to step up and help cover the massive losses that agriculture has experienced before we see any more of our farms go under.

Smith: To get involved, visit the Action Alerts page at fb.org. Chad Smith, Washington.