 Six Illinois farmers provided testimony to the committee: David
Erickson, of Altona; Deb Moore, of Roseville; Blake Gerard, of
McClure; John Williams, of McLeansboro; Gary Asay, of Osco; and
Terry Davis, of Roseville. Farmers from Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana
and Iowa also had an opportunity to provide feedback to the
committee.The committee chairman, Frank Lucas, R-Okla., and
committee members Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Ill., and Rep. Randy
Hultgren, R-Ill., were among several other elected officials in
attendance.
"We're extremely appreciative of Chairman Lucas and Rep.
Schilling and Hultgren for holding a field hearing here in
Illinois," said Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson.
"Hearings like these are extremely important because they enable
farmers here in Illinois -- and across the county -- to make
their voices and needs heard."
While the opportunity to provide testimony regarding the farm
bill is beneficial for farmers, Nelson said there is still
concern when it comes to drafting this year's farm bill.
"Farming is a risky profession," Nelson said. "But having
legislation that supports farmers -- and protects against the
inherent risks associated with farming -- puts some of that risk
to bed. That's why we urge committee members to work in a
bipartisan fashion to complete and sign the 2012 farm bill yet
this year."
Deb Moore, a corn, soybean and beef farmer, also testified to
the risky nature of farming and reiterated the importance
Illinois farmers place on federal crop insurance programs.
"The importance of an effective safety net for farm income
has grown as the rising cost of farm inputs has increasingly
pressured farm profitability," Moore testified. "We support risk
management proposals and other programs that enable us to better
manage risk, maintain planting flexibility and avoid
restructuring of the existing crop insurance program."
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Nelson echoed Moore's testimony and added that the 2012 farm bill
should include a revenue program or options for farmers in other
parts of the country. He also reiterated agriculture's commitment to
helping decrease the federal budget deficit.
"As farmers and business owners, we understand the importance of
maintaining a balanced budget," Nelson said. "We're committed to
doing our fair share to reduce the federal deficit by accepting cuts
where possible."
___
The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau
Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded
in 1916, IFB is a nonprofit organization controlled by farmers who
join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total membership of
more than 420,500 and a voting membership of 82,973. IFB represents
two out of three Illinois farmers.
[Text from
news release received from
Illinois Farm Bureau]
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