Tuesday Oct 06, 2009
It was standing room only as folks gathered on this rainy day in the metal machine shed on Jim Hundstad's farm near Aberdeen, South Dakota. Altogether, more than 300 farmers gathered with Secretary Tom Vilsack for a Rural Tour community forum.
As the event began, the gentle rain on the roof of the machine shed was an unfortunate reminder of the challenges that local farmers are facing. An abundance of rain through the past nine months has resulted in flooding, with water standing in fields. Farmers have faced inordinate difficulty in working the land.
But in other ways, the thoughts and concerns discussed were similar to those discussed at 22 previous forums that have been held in states across the country.
Local pork producers asked what USDA was doing to help. Dairy producers inquired how the Department might support farmers after Congress finalizes provisions of $350 million in support for the industry. Crop producers asked how crop insurance and conservation programs were being retooled following the 2008 Farm Bill.
Secretary Vilsack and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin provided thoughtful answers to a wide-range of questions from the audience.
A few hours earlier in the day, Secretary Vilsack was briefed by the Congresswoman and local officials about the devastating flooding. The Secretary pledged a quick and thorough review of declaring neighboring counties as disaster areas, thereby enabling local producers to qualify for disaster aid from USDA.
As we drove off the farm and onto the highway, the gray skies, soggy soil and puddles throughout fields were a stark contrast to other parts of the country where producers are struggling with drought-like conditions.
Whether producers face flooding or drought, feast or famine, the leadership of USDA is listening to producers in every corner of the country to help address local challenges.
Permalink | Posted at: 03:19PM Oct 06, 2009 by USDAblogger in USDA | Add Your Comment Here [0]
