Views impact of worsening drought on Iowa crops at farm near Palo, IA
Palo, IA - This afternoon, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) traveled to Gary and Vicki Owens' farm near Palo, Iowa, to see firsthand the impact of this summer's drought on Iowa corn and soybean crops. Braley met with the family and toured the farm before calling on Congress to immediately consider and pass the 2012 Farm Bill.
"Iowa agriculture has been a bright spot in the economy," Braley said. "The drought not only threatens the livelihood of countless Iowa farmers, it could have ripple effects for our economic recovery.
"If Congress allows the Farm Bill to expire on September 30th, it would only compound the problem. Much of the disaster assistance funding in the 2008 Farm Bill has already expired, leaving many farmers without a safety net this year. Farmers need certainty and confidence in the farm safety net they depend on, especially now. We need to do everything we can to get Iowa agriculture producers the help they need to get through this, and that starts with passing the Farm Bill."
According to the US Drought Monitor, 59 percent of Iowa is currently considered to be experiencing "severe" drought conditions.
Braley held an emergency telephone town hall meeting last night on the worsening drought conditions, its impact on Iowa agriculture, and the Farm Bill. This morning, Braley authored a bipartisan letter co-signed by all five members of Iowa's US House delegation asking House leaders to immediately bring the Farm Bill up for an immediate vote.
The House Agriculture Committee endorsed a version of the 2012 Farm Bill last week, but House leaders have not indicated when it will be considered for a vote.
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