ST. PAUL – Recently supporters of Minnesota agriculture traveled to the State Capitol to urge lawmakers to support legislation benefiting those making their living off the land and contributing to the nation's food supply.
State Representative Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) said National Ag Day was an overwhelming success, and he was pleased to see so many residents from southwestern Minnesota making their voices heard in St. Paul.
"Lawmakers from the southern portion of the state understand the struggles farmers and other ag interests are facing, whether it’s a lack of water, buffers, or low grain prices," Schomacker said. "When our residents show up in large groups to share their stories, it truly makes an impact on those legislators who don't understand the challenges of agriculture."
Statistics show just how important agriculture is to Minnesota and our country. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, there are roughly 2.1 million farms in the United States, totaling 915 million acres. In Minnesota, there are nearly 75,000 farms in Minnesota and roughly 27 million acres in production. Around 88 percent of that land is owned by families or individuals.
During National Ag Day, Schomacker said he visited with area pork producers, Minnesota Farm Bureau members, local FFA students, biodiesel representatives, and farmers co-op groups from every county in House District 22A.
"With low commodity prices and an uncertain economic climate, ag needs our full support," Schomacker said. "We need our farmers and affiliated ag industries to stay strong, and we need all lawmakers to recognize their efforts in conservation and food production, as well as their positive contributions to Minnesota's economy."