On the recordJune 4, 2013
Mr. President, I was absent for the vote on an amendment to S. 954 on Monday, June 3, 2013. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of amendment No. 987. Alfalfa growers face unique risk management challenges and the amendment would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop improved crop insurance policies for this crop. I have been closely monitoring reports of widespread loss of alfalfa in Minnesota this spring. Following last year's drought, this loss of alfalfa is particularly troubling for cattle and dairy producers. I am working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Minnesota farmers to remove barriers for planting forages and also to expand opportunities for grazing livestock on conservation program acres. I will continue to push for immediate relief for Minnesota agriculture producers. ____________________
