Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy, and our family farms are at its core. In Wisconsin, agriculture generates $59.1 billion in economic activity, and provides jobs for 353,991 people. No other sector is so broadly based across the entire state.

Wisconsin agriculture continues to contribute to the state's economic base despite the financial pressures caused by our weakened economy and low prices for several products including milk and cheese. Today many family farmers are struggling, caught between increasing commodity prices that still do not keep pace with the increasing price of inputs such as transportation and feed. Our agriculture policies must value Wisconsin farmers above foreign producers. Preserving our family farms, strengthening our rural economy and establishing a fair and balanced trade policy are essential.

I believe the 2007 Farm Bill addressed many of the problems facing farmers today, and made small, but noteworthy, steps toward aligning our federal agricultural programs with the modern landscape of farming in this country. It touched on commodity price support programs, nutrition programs, renewable energy, rural development, and dairy programs, and I supported it as it passed the House, and as Congress voted to override the President’s veto.

Our dairy industry, in particular, makes a tremendous economic contribution to our communities and state every year. It accounts for about $26.5 billion of total industrial output, and it ensures jobs, support for local economies, and essential food products for people within Wisconsin and across the nation.

Wisconsin dairy farmers rely on the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program to supplement their income when milk prices fall below a regulated threshold. The 2007 Farm Bill restores MILC to its original level, extends the program through 2012, and expands the program to include an input cost adjustment. Under this reauthorization, the MILC program will be reflective and respectful of the work Wisconsin dairy farmers and cows put into their product. Nonetheless, I have serious concerns about the current state of the dairy industry. Dairy farmers are facing the worst financial crisis in 30 years. Prices have fallen approximately 50 percent this year. Historically, the dairy industry has been plagued by price volatility, but the current crisis threatens the future of the entire dairy industry. I am pleased that Agriculture Secretary Vilsack recently decided to raise the levels of the dairy product price support program which will result in an additional $243 million for dairy farmers. I am hopeful that additional steps will be taken to provide support to dairy farmers.

I support agricultural policies that guarantee a safe, healthy, and adequate food supply for all Americans. Our farmers are the most efficient in the world, and the quality of their efforts is second to none. However, not everyone can afford to take advantage of this abundance. I am pleased the 2007 Farm Bill expanded food stamp eligibility, increased the minimum weekly benefit, and adjusted funding for many worthy programs such as food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and schools providing healthy snacks to students.

Furthermore, I believe that U.S. trade representatives must pursue fair trade – not free trade – which means ensuring greater market access for American agricultural products abroad while protecting America’s farm families.

Finally, Research and scientific advancement allows today’s farmers to be more productive, while protecting the environment. I am a strong supporter of agricultural research and have worked to secure federal funds to support that research. University of Wisconsin faculty members are on the cutting edge of agricultural research, and the UW Extension is a critical resource for Wisconsinites. I am proud of the research that is done in our state, and pleased that as your representative, I have been successful in providing federal assistance for those efforts, in addition to my other work to support agriculture.

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