Welcome to the September 13, 2024 issue of Cotton News, a service provided by Plains Cotton Growers Inc. for the cotton industry in the Texas High Plains and beyond.
Cotton industry with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
Serious Business — Farmers Sound the Alarm with Congress on Farm Bill, Disaster-Economic Assistance
This week Plains Cotton Growers participated in 31 meetings and fundraisers in two days on Capitol Hill. It was a fast and furious fly-in as all commodity groups and associated industry swarmed Congress to advocate for farm policy.
Cotton Industry with Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Ranking Member Sen. John Boozman (R-AR).
“This was a well-designed and strategically calculated effort by many national, state and regional groups,” said PCG CEO Kody Bessent. “It was also unique — we don’t typically see a cotton producer, wheat producer, sorghum producer, peanut producer etc. and a lending institution all walk into the same meeting, but that’s what happened this week. We all worked together to paint the picture of farm country’s suffering.”
Members of Congress had been hearing from their constituency during the August recess and the timing of this fly-in couldn’t be better as it was fresh on their minds and they were ready to work. There were several encouraging experiences that the PCG delegation witnessed.
“I was encouraged by Sen. Cruz listening to us and immediately instructing his staff to communicate our issues and put pressure on the Senate to work on a farm bill,” said Travis Mires, PCG President. “I feel more optimistic about things than I did before we went.”
“We walked into every meeting a little differently this year than in the past,” said Brent Coker, PCG Vice President. “There wasn’t any small talk — we got down to business. This
PCG President Travis Mires visits with Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA).
week was productive, and I feel Congress began to really understand just how badly farmers are hurting.”
“I was encouraged by all the collaboration that PCG had with the other commodity groups and organizations,” said PCG Chairman Martin Stoerner. “We had one collective voice, and I felt that was powerful.”
While the group was in D.C., a memo was issued by House Ag Committee Ranking Member David Scott to his democrat delegation. He stated, “We all know that Congress needs pressure to act. That is why Chairman Thompson, Chair Stabenow, Ranking Member Boozman and I agree we are better off without another extension at this point. The farm groups are also asking Congress to continue to work on passing a full farm bill this year and are not supporting any extension at this time.”
Congress may have a limited number of days left in session to get a farm bill and disaster-economic assistance package accomplished by the end of the calendar year, but the pressure is real, and they understand the urgency and importance of getting it done. There are ongoing efforts for a continuing resolution to keep the government running at the end of this month, and we’re optimistic that Congress will function and work for the people as is their charge.
Cotton Industry with Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS).
That being said, we cannot let up on our own communication efforts. We must let them know continuously what agriculture needs. We are all ambassadors of our industry, so continue to engage with your U.S. Congressman and Senators in every way possible. Your call provides real-time information that helps them as legislators and helps drive federal policy for the betterment of our industry and nation.
