Washington, D.C. (May 08, 2017) – On Saturday, May 06, 2017, NAWG Secretary David Milligan submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry about how the Farm Bill is critical to the growth of Michigan agriculture. The hearing, entitled “Growing Jobs and Economic Opportunity: Perspectives on the 2018 Farm Bill from Michigan,” featured testimony from a wide variety of agricultural producers and Farm Bill stakeholders, examining agriculture, as well as conservation, rural economic development, research, forestry, energy, and nutrition policies that affect Michigan.
“Michigan ranks 12th in U.S. winter wheat yields and produces 2.4% of all U.S. wheat. Wheat sales average $218.5 million annually, with a total economic impact estimated to be $388 million, testified Milligan, a wheat farmer from Cass City, MI.
“This could have not been possible without the strong safety net, risk management tools, conservation, and other important titles in the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill brings far-reaching benefits to rural communities and growers across the country including the creation of well-paying jobs.
“The economic conditions in wheat country have declined rapidly as a result of low prices the past few years, continued Milligan. Timely completion of the Farm Bill reauthorization process is even more important now than ever before.
“I appreciate the Committee holding this hearing, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the Committee members to write a bill that meets the needs of wheat farmers not only in Michigan but across the country.”