Farmers say farm bill programs serve as gateway to capital

Many farmers testifying during the first Senate Ag Committee field hearing in Michigan credited farm bill funding sources as an important lifeline to their business.

Allyson Maxwell, a crop farmer from Beaverton, says it’s nearly impossible for new entrants to begin farming in an increasingly capital-intensive industry and the Farm Service Agency’s young and beginning farmer loan programs need continued support.

“A successful farm bill reauthorization should continue to support new and existing farmers, especially with the economic realities facing farmers today,” she stressed.

…