Ohio Farmers Union

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United to Grow Family Agriculture Since 1934

National Farmers Union: Ag must respond to changing environmental conditions to preserve, protect water supplies

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WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday regarding the agency’s Draft National Water 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change. The agricultural organization emphasized the need for agriculture to adapt to changing environmental conditions, particularly as it relates to water.

“Climate change adaption is critical for the continued productivity of the agriculture sector, specifically as it relates to water quality and quantity,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Given the proper incentives, family farmers and ranchers will be valuable partners in addressing the challenges that result from a changing climate. Family farmers and ranchers have historically been our best soil and water conservationists when given the economic incentives and flexibility to do so.”

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NFU joins coalition calling for ‘robust’ funding for energy title in Farm Bill

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NFU joined a coalition of organizations in support of testimony presented by Agriculture Energy Coalition Co-Director Ryan Stroschein to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry. In the testimony, the coalition called on Congress to ensure robust funding for the 2012 Farm Bill Energy Title.

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NFU wants public comment on extension of commodity trading to 22 hours per day

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NFU President Roger Johnson sent a letter to Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Gary Gensler on Thursday urging the chairman to establish a 30-day public comment period to discuss the extension of electronic commodity trading up to 22 hours per day.

“The decision of the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and CME Group to expand trading to 22 hours per day has alarmed numerous NFU members, many of whom are involved in the cash grains market,” said Johnson. “Many have concerns about the volatile price swings that occur when U.S. Department of Agriculture reports are released. Additionally, expanded trading creates uncertainty regarding the availability of accurate and updated bids from grain purchasers after the open outcry trading day has closed with an established settlement price but electronic markets remain open. These are very reasonable concerns that must be answered.”

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Johnson to House Committee: Farm Bill Must Include Protection Against Long Term Price Collapse

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WASHINGTON  – National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management today, reviewing commodity programs for the 2012 Farm Bill. Johnson urged committee members to include provisions to deal with a long-term collapse in commodity prices.

“The farm bill passed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture contained a number of positive aspects, but one thing that it did not include was a way to deal with a long-term commodity price collapse,” said Johnson. “The farm bill must include a program such as the Market-Driven Inventory System (MDIS), which helps to ensure commodity prices do not fall to a price where family farmers can no longer make a living. MDIS utilizes a system of farmer-owned commodity inventories, loan rates, and other policy tools to accomplish this goal. Alternatively, increased and balanced target prices can be designed to cushion the impact of very low commodity prices, although this approach is likely to cost more.”

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USDA’s 150th Birthday is May 15

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From a USDA press release today:

On May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation to create the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Two and one-half years after establishing the Department, in what would be his final annual message to the Congress, Lincoln called USDA “The People’s Department.” At that time, about half of all Americans lived on farms, compared with about 2 percent today. But through our work on food, agriculture, economic development, science, natural resource conservation and a host of issues, USDA still fulfills Lincoln’s vision – touching the lives of every American, every day.

NFU leads coalition urging Senate passage of 2012 Farm Bill

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WASHINGTON  – National Farmers Union and a coalition of agricultural, conservation, environmental, energy, forestry, hunger, and rural stakeholders sent a letter to Senate leadership today urging them to bring the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 to the Senate floor as soon as possible. NFU led the effort, which was supported by more than 125 organizations.

“This is one piece of legislation upon which all Americans depend, urban as well as rural,” stated the letter. “With limited time remaining before the expiration of current program authorities, time is of the essence.”

The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 passed the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on April 26 by a 16-5 vote. The broad range of the 125 cosigners emphasizes the expansive reach and impact of the farm bill.

“This strongly bipartisan bill ensures that agriculture does its part to reduce the deficit, cutting spending by $23 billion, while still maintaining a safety net that family farmers and ranchers need,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Some farm bill programs have already expired, and the rest expire on Sept. 30. It is critical to pass a farm bill as soon as possible so that Americans have the agriculture, conservation, environmental, forestry, hunger, and rural development programs that they need. While many of us will continue to work for improvements in the bill, we all agree that we need a farm bill this year.”

 

NFU: Antibiotics should be used judiciously on the farm

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WASHINGTON  – National Farmers Union Vice President of Government Relations Chandler Goule discussed antibiotic use in animal agriculture today in a presentation at a national stakeholder meeting hosted by the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Washington, D.C.

“NFU supports measures that continue to allow the Food and Drug Administration to permit the use of therapeutic antibiotics approved for use in livestock unless valid scientific evidence proves that the product is unsafe,” said Goule. “NFU believes that antibiotic treatment should be reserved for clinical treatment of illness and for judicious use in preventing illness during periods of stress and supports the right of producers to treat their animals with antibiotics to address herd health issues while opposing the constant sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics.”

More research is needed to determine the links between antibiotic use for animal health and antibiotic resistance in humans according to two separate GAO reports.

“What is clear is that there is a need for additional research and for carefully crafted legislation that is evidence-based,” said Goule.

 

NFU statement on Labor Dept. withdrawal of ag-related child labor rule

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WASHINGTON (April 26, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) issued the following statement after today’s announcement by the Department of Labor (DOL) regarding its withdrawal of a proposed rule dealing with children who work in agricultural vocations:

“NFU is glad to see the DOL and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) continued commitment to the safety of children, particularly on farms, which can be dangerous work environments.

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NFU applauds Senate Ag Committee Passage of 2012 Farm Bill

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WASHINGTON (April 26, 2012) – National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry passed the 2012 Farm Bill out of committee by a 16-5 vote:

“NFU is pleased to see the 2012 Farm Bill voted out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in a bipartisan vote. This represents progress toward providing a fiscally responsible farm safety net directed to family farmers and ranchers. The bill’s investment in rural America will create jobs and opportunities for farmers to continue providing energy and conservations benefits to all Americans.

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Ohio Farmers Union
P.O. Box 363
1011 N. Defiance Street
Ottawa, Ohio 45875
Phone: (419) 523-5300
Toll Free: (800) 321-3671