Farmers Need Immediate Help, AFBF Says

Ask many across farm country, and they will tell you the overall U.S. Ag economy is in pretty bad shape, and some say the long-term viability of the sector is in danger.  Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said its been an ongoing issue nationwide over the past three years; input costs have skyrocketed while commodity prices have dropped sharply.

He noted both beginning and veteran farmers have been asked to make tough choices to survive.  With that in mind, Glenn said Farm Bureau sent a letter to Congress and the White House asking for immediate assistance.

"In the short-term, we urge leaders to authorize bridge payments for farmers before the end of 2025," Glenn said.  "These payments must be robust enough to address sector-wide gaps as the federal government continues to work to recalibrate trade strategies, stabilize prices, and strengthen key market relationships."

D.C. Needs To Move Quickly

Glenn said it’s vital that Congress and the administration move quickly to help U.S. farmers and ranchers.

"It is extremely important that the administration and Congress move quickly to authorize bridge payments for farmers before the end of 2025, really to keep farmers afloat, and that we need swift and decisive action taken on policy solutions to increase market access and opportunities for farmers," he stressed.

Click Here to read the letter the Farm Bureau sent to President Trump.

Click Here to read the letter the Farm Bureau sent to Congress.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com