24 Jul 2012

Tour of Drought-Impacted Farm Shows Importance of Farm Bill Passage

By Jeff Giertz

Tour of Drought-Impacted Farm Shows Importance of Farm Bill Passage

By: U.S. Representative Bruce Braley

Last Friday, I met with two farmers from Palo, Gary and Vicki Owens, to see their farm and discuss the drought conditions that are affecting crops across Iowa. I saw the dry ground and struggling corn and soybeans that the Owens are hoping will survive in the heat and dry weather. Gary and Vicki told me how concerned they are that sporadic rain during the month of July will doom their crops, but they continue to hope that wetter and cooler weather will grace their crops sooner rather than later. They are preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.

The lack of rain along with the blistering heat are making farmers take a look at their insurance policies and what the federal government is doing to assist them if the weather causes a massive loss in crops.

Today, just as we saw in the 1920s, the federal government needs to take responsibility when farmers suffer from events outside of their control.  That's the reason why, last week, I joined Iowa's entire House delegation, Republicans and Democrats, to demand that Congressional leaders hold an immediate vote on the bipartisan Farm Bill.  Some disaster relief programs from the 2008 Farm Bill have already expired, and if Congress does not pass the farm bill by September, laws will revert back to the outdated 1949 Farm Bill.  We can't afford to go back to laws that are that outdated - let alone when we are suffering from such a difficult summer.

I will continue to work with the US Department of Agriculture to get farmers the help they need, and keep working to bring members of both parties together to ensure that the Farm Bill is passed as quickly as possible.  Iowa farmers and their families need some degree of certainty during such uncertain times.  The Farm Bill ensures a safety net and allows farmers a degree of financial security for the future.

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23 Jul 2012

Loebsack, Iowa Delegation Introduce Legislation to Ensure Access to Ag Disaster Programs

By Joe Hand

Crop and Livestock disaster relief programs expired in Fall of 2011 !!!

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today led the entire Iowa delegation in introducing legislation to extend agriculture disaster programs that were created in the last farm bill through 2012.  The Loebsack authored Agriculture Disaster Assistance Act will help farmers and livestock producers with drought losses beyond insurance until a new farm bill is signed into law.  Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

"I have seen firsthand the damage this drought has already caused to crops and livestock.  With no end in sight to the current conditions, we must move quickly to ensure farmers and producers in Iowa and across the country who are struggling have access to a safety net.

"I am pleased the rest of the Iowa delegation joined me in introducing this legislation and hope they join me in calling on House leadership to quickly bring up and pass it.  Until a new farm bill is passed and signed into law our farmers and producers need to know that they are not in this alone and that 2012 won't be the year that sinks their farm."

Specifically, the Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act will extend the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), Livestock Disaster Forage Program (LFP), Tree Assistance Program (TAP), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) temporarily through 2012.

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23 Jul 2012

Lt. Gov. Simon to announce recipients of farmers' market grant

By Rick Martin

CARBONDALE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will host a media call-in Tuesday afternoon with Audrey Rowe, Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, to announce that up to 50 farmers' markets across Illinois will receive free wireless machines that accept Link, debit and credit cards as part of the Illinois Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Wireless Project. With these markets coming aboard, one in three farmers' markets statewide will accept food stamp benefits for the first time.

Simon and Rowe will be joined on the call by Connie Spreen, the executive director of the Chicago non-profit Experimental Station, and vegetable farmers Cheryl and Josh Dotson of Dotson Farms in Beecher, a mother-son team that sells produce at several farmers' markets in Chicago. Simon and Rowe will explain the wireless grant program and discuss USDA efforts to boost access to local foods and the impact that can have on the health of citizens and the economy.

DATE: Tuesday, July 24

TIME: 1 - 2 p.m.

All callers using the above pass code will be placed in listen only mode. To join the Q&A portion of the meeting, these callers are instructed to press *1 on their touch tone phone.

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23 Jul 2012

Braley Reaction to USDA Announcing Assistance for Drought-Affected Farmers

By Jeff Giertz

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after the US Department of Agriculture temporary changes to their major conservation programs to help livestock producers as this summer's drought intensifies.

"The efforts announced today by the USDA are good first steps to start helping Iowa farmers affected by this summer's drought.  If this drought continues, farmers will need more help.

 

"That's why I'll keep working with the USDA to ensure we're doing everything possible to stand behind farmers during this challenging time.  The drought not only threatens the livelihood of countless Iowa farmers, it will have incredible effects on Iowa's economy.  That's why it's so important we do everything we can to keep Iowa farmers on their feet.

 

"And with many of the disaster recovery programs from the 2008 Farm Bill already expired, it's more important than ever we quickly get a new Farm Bill passed into law."

The assistance announced today takes advantage of the Secretary of Agriculture's existing authority to help create and encourage flexibility within four USDA programs: the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

More details on the USDA steps announced today can be found at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/fEp

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23 Jul 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Highlight the Resilience of American Agriculture in Iowa

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2012 - TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will travel to Iowa to meet with producers, industry and business leaders. The Secretary will discuss the ongoing drought, USDA's efforts to assist producers, and the innovation and resilience of rural Americans in tough times such as these. He will also discuss some of the strengths shared by producers and rural communities that better position us to face this drought now than in years past - new technologies, lower debt, and the continuing strength of export markets.

 

As of July 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 1,055 counties across the country as disaster areas due to drought. According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 88 percent of our nation's corn and 87 percent of our soybeans are in drought-stricken areas.

 

USDA recently announced a final rule to simplify the process for Secretarial disaster designations -allowing a quicker response to drought. USDA also reduced the interest rate for Farm Service Agency Emergency Loans, lowering the current rate from 3.75 percent to 2.25 percent, and lowered the payment reduction for Conservation Reserve Program lands that qualify for emergency haying and grazing in 2012, from 25 to 10 percent.

 

Monday, July 23, 2012

10 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will give remarks on the Resilience of American Agriculture?Innovation, Diversity and Growing Markets

 

WHERE: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

501 First Street SE

Cedar Rapids, IA

 

 

11:30 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will tour drought damage at Eric Cress' farm.

 

WHERE: 4681 Heines Rd

Center Point, IA

 

 

4:15 p.m. CDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will give remarks on the Resilience of American Agriculture?Innovation, Diversity and Growing Markets

WHERE: Soy Energy

4172 19th Street Southwest

Mason City, IA

23 Jul 2012

Loebsack Visits Drought Stricken Iowa Counties; Announces Legislation to Extend Ag Disaster Programs

By Joe Hand

Calls for Congress to Stay in Session Until Farm Bill Passes

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack is visiting four farms in Appanoose, Davis, Lee and Wayne counties today to see firsthand the impact the recent drought has had on crops and livestock. Loebsack is touring the farms with local FSA officials to meet with farmers, community members and representatives from the Farm Bureau.  During the tour, Loebsack also announced that he will introduce legislation on Monday to extend agriculture disaster programs created by the previous farm bill through 2012.  The Agriculture Disaster Assistance Act will help our farmers and livestock producers with drought losses beyond insurance until a new farm bill is signed into law.

"We must move quickly to ensure farmers and livestock producers have a safety net as drought and heat conditions persist throughout many critical agricultural and livestock producing areas," said Loebsack.  "My legislation will extend agriculture disaster assistance and is intended to help our farmers and livestock producers with drought losses beyond insurance until a new farm bill is signed into law."

Loebsack also called on Congress to remain in session until this, job creation and other important issues are dealt with.

"In light of seeing firsthand the devastation already caused by the drought, I am more convinced than ever that Congress must stay in session until a farm bill is passed so our farmers can have comfort that this disaster will be fully addressed.  In less than two weeks, Congress will break for five weeks.  Just because Congress isn't voting does not mean the needs of Iowans will go away.  I have previously called for Congress to work every day until Iowans have some confidence that Congress is working in their best interest.  Taking off for an entire month will only make things worse and does nothing to create jobs, boost the economy, or help drought-stricken farms."

Earlier this week, Loebsack joined a bipartisan group of 79 lawmakers in calling on House leadership to bring a Farm bill to the floor before it expires on September 30th.  In addition, Loebsack urged Speaker of the House John Boehner and the leader of the House Agriculture Committee to address the expiration of critical USDA disaster relief programs when the Farm Bill is brought to the floor. Loebsack has also asked the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, to determine whether or not he has the authority to extend the SURE program or the Livestock Indemnity Program for 2012 if Congress is unable to complete a reauthorization of the farm bill. He also urged the USDA to consider emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program land in Iowa when appropriate.

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23 Jul 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Highlight the Resilience of American Agriculture in Iowa

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2012 - On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will travel to Iowa to meet with producers, industry and business leaders. The Secretary will discuss the ongoing drought, USDA's efforts to assist producers, and the innovation and resilience of rural Americans in tough times such as these. He will also discuss some of the strengths shared by producers and rural communities that better position us to face this drought now than in years past - new technologies, lower debt, and the continuing strength of export markets.

 

As of July 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 1,055 counties across the country as disaster areas due to drought. According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 88 percent of our nation's corn and 87 percent of our soybeans are in drought-stricken areas.

 

USDA recently announced a final rule to simplify the process for Secretarial disaster designations -allowing a quicker response to drought. USDA also reduced the interest rate for Farm Service Agency Emergency Loans, lowering the current rate from 3.75 percent to 2.25 percent, and lowered the payment reduction for Conservation Reserve Program lands that qualify for emergency haying and grazing in 2012, from 25 to 10 percent.

 

Monday, July 23, 2012

10 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will give remarks on the Resilience of American Agriculture?Innovation, Diversity and Growing Markets

 

WHERE: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

501 First Street SE

Cedar Rapids, IA

 

 

11:30 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will tour drought damage at Eric Cress' farm.

 

WHERE: 4681 Heines Rd

Center Point, IA

 

 

4:15 p.m. CDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will give remarks on the Resilience of American Agriculture?Innovation, Diversity and Growing Markets

WHERE: Soy Energy

4172 19th Street Southwest

Mason City, IA

23 Jul 2012

Gov. Branstad reminds public of harvesting grass in state highway ditches

By Office of the Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today encouraged farmers to harvest grass in the state highway right of way as a way to help combat this summer's drought.

"Under the hot and dry conditions that the state is and has been experiencing, farmers are searching for alternative ways to feed their livestock. Harvesting grass along the side of state roads is an efficient and economical mean for farmers to maintain their livestock levels," said Branstad.

Farmers are allowed to legally mow and bale grass on highway right of ways only during certain periods of the year as established by the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Persons interested must have a permit, granted by the Iowa DOT, before mowing. The permit form can be found here. All work should be performed between 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset.

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For more information, please visit www.Governor.Iowa.gov.
20 Jul 2012

Braley Tours Drought-Stricken Iowa Farm, Calls for Immediate Action on Farm Bill

By Jeff Giertz

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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20 Jul 2012

The Means to Help Producers Impacted by Drought

By USDA Communications

USDA.gov logo

This week, we continued to see historic levels of drought grip much of our nation, impacting thousands of farm families. Although the hard work and innovation of our producers has fueled a strong farm economy in recent years, President Obama and I understand the major challenges this drought poses for American agriculture.

As of July 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 1,055 counties across the country as disaster areas due to drought. Significant portions of many crops are impacted - for example, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 88 percent of our nation's corn and 87 percent of our soybeans are in drought-stricken areas. Rising grain prices are threatening livestock and dairy operators with high input costs.

Our farmers and ranchers are no strangers to uncertainty - but it's even harder to plan for the future when we don't know how much more severe the drought will be.

Over the years, American producers have constantly innovated to meet new demands and adapt to new conditions, embracing new methods and utilizing new technology. The same innovative spirit that has positioned American agriculture as a global leader has helped to reduce the impact of the drought.

Nevertheless, the uncertainty of drought means this is a very difficult time for many. At President Obama's direction, USDA is doing all it can within the Department's existing authority to help.

Last week, I announced a final rule to simplify the process for Secretarial disaster designations - both to speed the process for producers and to reduce the burden on State government officials, who are also hard at work to help producers around the country cope with this disaster.

I reduced the interest rate for Farm Service Agency Emergency Loans, effectively lowering the current rate from 3.75 percent to 2.25 percent to help ensure that credit is available for farm families who are hit by drought.

And finally, I announced that USDA has lowered payment reductions for Conservation Reserve Program lands that qualify for emergency haying and grazing in 2012, from 25 to 10 percent.

USDA officials are traveling to states around the country to see firsthand the impact of the drought, and we will continue to look for ways to help. But the fact is USDA's legal authority to provide assistance remains limited right now. That's because the 2008 Farm Bill disaster programs, which were implemented under President Obama, expired last year. Prior to the expiration, these programs helped hundreds of thousands of U.S. producers during disasters.

If Congress doesn't act, USDA will remain limited in our means to help drought-stricken producers. That's why President Obama and I continue to call on Congress to take steps to ensure that USDA has the tools it needs to help farm families during the drought. Disaster assistance for producers is also one of many reasons why we need swift action by Congress to pass a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill this year.

I know that many producers are struggling today with the impact of this historic drought. The President and I are committed to doing all we can to help farmers and ranchers in this difficult time.

As all of us across America hope for rainfall, and while USDA does all it can to assist America's farmers, ranchers and rural communities, I hope that Congress will do all it can to help us get the job done.

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