Crafting a New Farm Bill
We all rely on agriculture at least three times a day. From the orange juice you enjoy in the morning to the popcorn that you eat at night, agriculture provides our nourishment each and every day. No matter where you live, your grocery store is filled with produce, fruit, meat and dairy products.
As we get ready to reauthorize the farm bill, I am reminded of one of our country's blessings. We have the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. That is due in large part to the hard work, ingenuity and determination of our farmers and producers.
Agriculture is the only industry that buys its supplies at retail value and sells its products at wholesale. In other words, it's a price-taker on both ends. Living in Missouri adds additional challenges. One month you are in a drought and the next month it's too wet to get into the field. It's a way of life, though, and it's important.
In the coming months, I will be talking with and listening to farmers and producers from across the Sixth District to get their input. I am one of only a few farmers left in Congress. It's important to me that we craft a bill that works for Missouri's farmers and producers.
Even with all of the changes to our economy, Agriculture is still Missouri's top industry. Missouri also has the second most farms of any state in the union. If the farm bill doesn't work here, then it doesn't work.
Sincerely,
