ILLINOIS CORN FARMERS CALL FOR

Sep 17, 2012  |  ICGA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      CONTACT: Tricia Braid                                                                                          (309) 557-3257

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— Illinois farmers are at a loss for why the U.S. House of Representatives has yet to pass its version of the 2012 Farm Bill.

In response to what is becoming an inexcusable lack of action on the part of some in the U.S. House, Illinois corn farmers are calling for a ‘Farm Bill Now.’

 “Farmers know all too well how frustrating things can get, but even in the face of a once-in-a-lifetime drought, we’re still out here in the fields getting our work done,” said Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Jeff Scates, a family farmer from Shawneetown, IL. “I know that folks in Washington, DC, are frustrated with their situation, but it’s way past time to just get the work done on the 2012 Farm Bill.”

Congress has known since September 2008 that they had to write and pass a Farm Bill in 2012.  The Senate did their job, but the House of Representatives are not taking action on the Farm Bill that passed out of the Agriculture Committee in July. 

Congress may recess at the end of next week, earlier than announced just last month, so that members can campaign in their home district. It’s questionable that the 2012 Farm Bill could be completed this year if Congress leaves early in September.

“The risk management tools like crop insurance that many farmers needed this year may be threatened in farm bill negotiations if this new bill waits until 2013,” Scates added. “That’s not a risk we’re willing to accept quietly.”

“I ask the corn farmers get on their cell phones from the combine cab and use the Illinois Corn Growers Association toll-free phone number to call the House switchboard and ask for their member of Congress,” Scates said. “It’s as easy as dialing 1-888-WHY-CORN and telling your Congressman you need a Farm Bill Now!” Scates added.

The U.S. House of Representatives switchboard operator will be reached when farmers dial 888-WHY-CORN (888-949-2676). The operator will direct the call to the appropriate office. Calls made directly to the Member’s office are also encouraged.

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