Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s goal has always been for Congress to pass disaster relief, farm assistance and a farm bill extension. TFBF supported the proposed CR based upon congressional leadership’s fulfilled promises to include these provisions in the bill. TFBF thanks leadership for including these and the ability to allow for year-round E-15 sales, which will help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.
Based upon yesterday’s activities, it is apparent the proposed CR has a difficult path forward. Without immediate assistance many farmers across the state face economic challenges they cannot overcome. We call on Congress to finish the job and get these specific items passed before the end of the year.
American Farm Bureau:
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall delivered a letter to Congress urging elected leaders to stand with farmers as they reconsider the contents of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government and potentially offer a lifeline to farmers and ranchers. Below are excerpts from the letter.
“Any alternative Continuing Resolution (CR) must include: a farm bill extension, aid to rebuild after natural disasters, economic assistance to bridge the gap until we can get to a new farm bill, and year-round E-15 sales.
“Weather-related natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 have crippled communities across the country. The weather events may have passed, but unthinkable wreckage remains. Entire communities must be rebuilt.
“Economically, America’s farmers and ranchers are suffering. Inflation is killing farm families’ checkbooks. Stubbornly high supply costs have made seed, fertilizer, feed, repairs and H-2A labor costs more expensive. Extremely high interest rates make it even more expensive because most farmers need operating loans to buy inputs each year. Unfortunately, the price farmers receive for the products they grow is decreasing.
“Farmers in America are experiencing their third year in a row of losing money. Right now, lenders are telling farm families that operating loans will not happen or be significantly smaller unless the federal government provides some relief. We’ve lost 141,000 farms in a five-year period and that number will grow if Congress fails to act.”
The full letter can be viewed here.
