Denny Rehberg: “Agriculture is Montana's number one industry, but with the cost of farm production at an all-time high and farm incomes…”

“Agriculture is Montana's number one industry, but with the cost of farm production at an all-time high and farm incomes sagging, I am deeply concerned about agriculture's future in our State. H.R. 2213 will provide much-needed help to Montana producers, but the bill fails in many ways. The assistance level provided for in this legislation is not sufficient to address needs of many families this year. H.R. 2213 fails to address the needs of dairy farmers, sugarcane growers, those who graze their wheat, barley, and oats, as well as producers who are denied marketing loan assistance because they do not have an AMTA contract. Members who supported the $5.5 billion in assistance at the committee level argued that a cut in funds to producers this year was necessary to save funds for the new farm bill, but I fear that many producers in my State will now have to face the reality that they may not make it for the next farm bill. While this bill is far from perfect, it is a first step in keeping Congress' commitment to stand by American farmers and ranchers until a permanent safety net is in place.”