Young Farmers and Ranchers Urge Congress to Act Swiftly
Washington, D.C. — America’s agricultural community, represented by Kevin Lussier of the American Farm Bureau Federation, is calling on Congress to pass a new, updated Farm Bill without delay. Lussier, a third-generation dairy farmer from Hawthorne, Florida, emphasized the critical need for investments in the next generation of farmers during his testimony before the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade.
Lussier highlighted the challenges faced by young farmers, including limited access to affordable credit and the need for robust risk management programs like the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC). He underscored the importance of programs such as USDA-backed loans and grants in supporting young farmers through financial uncertainties.
“For young farmers like us, access to credit can make or break our ability to grow and sustain our operations,” Lussier stated. “The Farm Bill plays a crucial role in ensuring these programs are accessible and effective, providing a lifeline for new entrants into the agriculture sector.”
Lussier proposed enhancements to the DMC program, including raising the coverage cap and offering premium discounts for long-term enrollment. These improvements, he argued, are essential for managing the inherent risks associated with dairy farming and ensuring economic stability.
Joining Lussier in advocating for Farm Bill improvements, Christian Good from the Mississippi Farm Bureau addressed critical areas such as reference prices, crop insurance, rural broadband access, and conservation funding. Good, who operates a corn and soybean farm with his wife in Macon, Mississippi, stressed the need for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and rural development.
The testimonies of Lussier and Good reflect a unified call from the agricultural community for legislative action that strengthens support for young farmers, enhances risk management tools, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices across the United States.
