Photo: News-Talk 94.9 WSJM
Congressman Fred Upton, State Representative Pauline Wendzel and State Senator Kim LaSata are seeing firsthand the damage this year’s unseasonable weather has brought to the farms of Southwest Michigan.
The trio of politicians held a round table discussion at Costanza Farms in Sodus Tuesday morning to discuss the effects of this year’s heavy rains on farmers in Berrien County. According to a press release from Representative Wendzel, only 63 percent of corn seeds and 43 percent of soybean seeds have been planted this year. The low planting rate will result in a low yield, as well as financial hardship for farmers as the season continues.
Representative Wendzel is already working to help farmers out, supporting a bipartisan plan in the House to aid farmers who have been delayed or damaged by the record rainfalls. The House plan provides $15 million for private lenders to run the loan program and keep interest rates low for farmers. The state does not provide the loans, so there is no financial risk or liability to the state, as the state will not be providing the loans. Michigan farmers have seen similar low-interest plans in 2002 and 2012.
“This bill will provide relief to our local farmers who are facing some of the most adverse weather conditions we have ever seen,” Wendzel said. “Our agricultural industry is the backbone of our state’s livelihood, and I am proud to stand by our farmers.”
Wendzel has also joined a coalition of 63 House lawmakers urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase flexibility under the Federal Crop Insurance rules. This would allow farmers to plant on land normally prohibited by federal crop insurance rules, allowing for more crops to get to market and be raised for feed for livestock.
