After visiting the Bode family farm and talking with Minnesota Pork Board Executive Director Dave Preisler, Terry sent the following letter to Minnesota’s Congressional delegation:

(Many thanks to Melissa Bode for the great photos!)
___________________________________________
Re: Pork Producers Crisis

Dear ________________:

I write to request your support for the proposed use of $50 million before or by September 30, 2009 of USDA funds to help United States’ pork producers.  In Southern Minnesota, as in other pork-producing areas, family farms are under severe threat as several factors have combined to threaten this vital agricultural industry.  By authorizing U.S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to expend $50 million on or before September 30, 2009, Congress will extend an essential lifeline to keep these farmers—and all who depend upon them—afloat until the market turns around.

America’s pork producers find themselves in dire need because of circumstances beyond their control. They cannot improve trade relations with China, a major market for our country’s pork products.  America’s pork producers did not cause the increase in feed prices that many relate to increased global demand for corn, food shortages elsewhere, and ethanol production.  The farmers in my area and elsewhere in our country are suffering as the misnomered “swine flu” precipitated a further decline in pork markets despite efforts to assure the public that pork products are safe and do not cause the H1N1 flu.

Yesterday, Secretary Vilsack stated, “We want to help [America’s pork producers], and we can after the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Until then, it’s largely out of our hands unless Congress raises the cap on spending.”  A two-step plan is needed now.  First, Congress should raise the cap that Secretary Vilsack can expend before October 1.  Currently, the USDA can expend up to $300 million, which it has expended already on a variety of national needs.  I urge you to authorize expenditure of an additional $50 million in this fiscal year.  The USDA has the funds (which are collected on imported food products)—it simply needs the authorization.

Second, I urge you to ask Secretary Vilsack to expend a second $50 million when the new fiscal year begins on October 1.  The combined expenditures will provide a critically needed safety net for America’s pork producers.

Yesterday, Senator Al Franken and I visited a local pork producer, whose family has farmed in my area for 120 years.  Currently, this family loses $40 or so for every pig it sells.  Their equity has fallen from 80% to 35%.  Unless immediate action is taken, this family will lose their farm in the middle of 2010.  If this family farm is ruined, 23 other families will no longer be able raise pigs, 8 other families will lose jobs, feed suppliers will lose a valuable customer, the veterinarian will suffer, the fuel and utility providers are impacted, and much more.  This story will be repeated again and again throughout rural America.  Action is needed now.

I know you support Minnesota’s farmers.  I look forward to hearing from you soon that you will seek immediate action to authorize the $50 million before October 1 when you return to Washington, D.C.  I will be happy to share news of your support with my area’s pork producers.

Thank you very much for your help.