Agricultural Leader Keeff Felty Calls for Critical Policy Updates
Addressing the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Keeff Felty, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers, highlighted the critical economic issues facing the agricultural sector as he enters his 40th farming year.
Felty's testimony painted a stark picture of the challenges similar to the severe downturns of the early 1980s, emphasizing the necessity of robust legislative support through the farm bill.
Felty appreciated the recent disaster assistance from Congress but stressed that "That assistance is much needed across all of agriculture. However, long-term improvements to the farm safety net must be included as this committee, and Congress work to reauthorize the farm bill this year.”
The NAWG President outlined the organization's priorities for the forthcoming farm bill, particularly the protection of the crop insurance program which has proven crucial for many farmers facing natural disasters.
Felty cited his own experience with a hailstorm that significantly damaged his wheat crop, underscoring the importance of insurance in maintaining farm operations.
Felty advocated for an increase in the wheat PLC reference price, which has not been updated since 2018 despite a 30% increase in the cost of crop inputs. This adjustment is essential for the economic viability of wheat farmers, especially given the extensive global reach of U.S. wheat exports.
Felty's testimony also covered the wider impacts of high input costs, elevated interest rates, and depressed commodity prices, which have collectively led to a 43% decrease in net cash farm income for wheat growers from 2023 to 2024, marking a 15-year low.
Concluding his testimony, Felty urged for a comprehensive and meaningful farm bill that could provide long-term certainty and support for the agricultural community as it navigates these turbulent times.
NAWG continues to collaborate with Senate members to help shape a farm bill that addresses these pressing issues and promotes the sustainability of the U.S. agricultural economy.