Addressing Farmer Challenges
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Congress has a lot on their plates this fall, after many lawmakers spent time in their districts meeting with constituents during the August recess.
At a recent meeting with media, U.S. Representative Dan
Newhouse was asked if he thought farmers had a lot of challenges in front of them right now …
NEWHOUSE … “I think you get the award for the understatement of the year. There is a lot in front of farmers right now, a lot of challenges and a dearth of bright spots. Farmers are a resilient bunch, no doubt, but there’s so many challenges that it’s very difficult to overcome.”
Bottom line, Newhouse says there needs to be a balance …
NEWHOUSE … “I’m a farmer too, as you know, and we’re facing the exact same things at home on my farm, with my son and his wife are trying to keep things together, and it’s very difficult. The high cost of literally everything and the prices we’re receiving for the products we produce are just not keeping up.”
So, addressing these challenges, Newhouse says really must be a priority …
NEWHOUSE … “That’s why some of the things like trade issues are so important, particularly to our region. You know, the Pacific Northwest, we depend on those international markets in a big way. So, we’ve got to get these trade deals done as soon as possible.”
Newhouse says these are very challenging times we’re experiencing and we’ll need to work together to get through it.
