Blaine's Bulletin: Missouri Feeding the World

Statement

Having grown up raising hogs and cattle and continuing to own livestock today, agriculture policy is deeply personal to me. More importantly, living in Mid-Missouri allows me to talk to farmers and ranchers daily. I know how hard they work day in and day out to put food on their own tables and on the shelves of our grocery stores.

Agriculture is the number one industry in Missouri. In the Third District alone, crops, livestock, forestry, and fishery production accounts for roughly $1.2 billion in sales per year, and agriculture related industries provide over 37,000 jobs for hardworking Missourians. Our products are sold at our local stores, sent to neighboring states, and shipped around the world. And the demand is only going to grow. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that global food demand will rise more than 50% by the year 2050. Missouri farmers will be vital to feeding the world's next generations.

Last week I was honored to speak at the Missouri Cattlemen's Association's 50th Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. I got to see some old friends and make new acquaintances. They shared with me that, like many sectors across the ag industry, one of their top priorities this year is the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill sets the policies that govern a broad array of agriculture and food programs, from crop insurance and conservation to food assistance and forestry. Proper ag policy is critical to the success of our production.

The current Farm Bill is due to expire in September of this year. I remain in constant contact with the House Agriculture Committee and our Leadership sharing with them the needs of our ag industry as the new bill is written. President Ronald Reagan once stated farmers are the backbone of this country and everything we do to help them helps our country and its future. I whole-heartedly agree. I will continue fighting for our Missouri farming families and ensure they are protected so the next generation of farmers can continue to provide for our great nation and people all over the world.

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