Young Farmers and Ranchers Advocate for Critical Support
In a pivotal moment for American agriculture, farmers and ranchers across the nation are rallying behind calls for the passage of a new, modernized Farm Bill. Testifying before the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade, Kevin Lussier, Chair of the American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, emphasized the urgent need for bipartisan action to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Investing in the Future of American Agriculture
As a third-generation farmer hailing from Hawthorne, Florida, Lussier underscored the pivotal role of investment in the next generation of farmers and ranchers. By enhancing access to credit and bolstering risk management programs, Lussier emphasized the importance of equipping young agriculturalists with the tools and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly challenging landscape.
Affordable Credit: A Cornerstone of Agricultural Success
Lussier highlighted the significance of affordable credit for young and beginning farmers, citing USDA-backed loans and grants as crucial lifelines during periods of economic uncertainty. Traditional lending institutions often deem agriculture a high-risk industry, posing challenges for aspiring farmers with limited credit histories. Programs like the FSA’s Guaranteed and Direct Farm Ownership and Operating Loans have proven instrumental in facilitating the growth and success of agricultural enterprises across the country.
Enhancing Risk Management for Dairy Farmers
In addition to affordable credit, Lussier advocated for improvements to risk management programs, particularly for dairy farmers. Enhancements to programs like Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), including increasing coverage caps and providing premium discounts, are essential for young dairy farmers to navigate the inherent risks of agriculture and ensure stable incomes.
Addressing Key Farm Bill Priorities
Joining Lussier in advocating for critical Farm Bill provisions is Christian Good, representing the Mississippi Farm Bureau. Good, alongside his wife, operates a corn and soybean farm in Macon, Mississippi. His testimony highlights the need for improvements to reference prices, crop insurance eligibility, rural broadband, and increased funding for conservation programs, underscoring the multifaceted challenges facing American agriculture.
