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Farmers Union seeks financial assistance through farm loan programs

The National Farmers Union (NFU) and Farm Aid are asking Congress to provide emergency financial assistance for farmers to help combat low commodity prices.  The groups want increased funding for USDA farm loan programs.

Minnesota Farmers Union president Doug Peterson says there are plenty of sympathetic ears, but a lame-duck Congress clouds prospects for getting something done.

“The issue that we have as farmers is we have to pay our loans (and) our bills.  We’ve got a new crop coming (so) we’ve got to figure out where that operating loan is going to come from.  And I’ve said this a million times, you can’t put that crop year on the shelf because it’s going to have to be moved.”

Peterson tells Brownfield the best chance for immediate help would be through a continuing resolution.

“That’s a legitimate shot, and I don’t necessarily think it’s a long-shot.  What you need is a few champions to do it.”

He says earlier this year the USDA provided cotton producers a one-time payment to help expand and maintain the domestic market.

The two organizations are also urging Congress to begin work on the next Farm Bill to provide a stronger safety net that protects farmers and ranchers through long-term financial downturns.