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[Pages H2684-H2685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THANKING OUR FARMER COOPERATIVES
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Kansas (Mr. Marshall) for 5 minutes.
Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, in many parts of my district and all
across Kansas, farmer cooperatives are the foundation of a modernized
and productive agriculture industry. For decades, co-ops have been
farmers' primary business partner, supplier, and grain buyer.
Memberships have been passed down from one generation to another, and
relationships have been lifelong.
Today, our farmer co-ops are as strong and as important as ever. In
the far reaches of my district, the co-ops provide feed, fertilizer,
and fuel to farmers.
As times and needs have changed, so too have our co-ops. From online
platforms for account statements and purchasing to precision technology
that reduces fertilizer inputs and improves soil productivity,
innovation has been necessary and vital to the co-ops' success.
Kansas farmer co-ops are responsible for more than 4,600 jobs and
$1.1 billion in total economic impact, statewide. These member-owned
organizations have been and will continue to be vital to the continued
growth and success of the agriculture industry.
Farmers are facing steep headwinds, and organizations like the co-ops
are important in helping producers navigate through uncertainty in the
industry.
We often take the time to thank our farmers, but it is also important
we thank the hardworking men and
[[Page H2685]]
women of our farmer co-ops for the valuable time and expertise they put
into supporting our farmers and our agriculture industry.
Celebrating National Ag Day
Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Ag
Day, a celebration of our Nation's oldest and most important industry
and the hardworking men and women who put food on our table, clothes on
our back, and fuel in our cars.
The number of people in agriculture today is but a fraction of what
it was 100 years ago, but the impact of today's agriculture industry is
unprecedented. Today's farmer feeds about 165 people, and agriculture
remains this country's number one export.
In Kansas, agriculture accounts for nearly half the State's economy,
and, in my district, that number is more than 60 percent. For many
rural communities, farming and ranching is the sole economic driver.
Kansas is the national leader in agriculture, ranking first in the
production of grain sorghum, second in the production of wheat, third
for cattle, and fourth in the production of sunflowers. In fact, Kansas
is second in the Nation for the total number of acres farmed.
{time} 1015
Winters like the one we are currently experiencing at home have
highlighted the time and dedication farmers and ranchers have to their
land and animals. In Kansas, farmers with livestock are working around
the clock to ensure the animals are healthy, warm, and well fed. That
means enduring subzero windchills, blizzard-like conditions, and
middle-of-the-night checks.
While agriculture has become a target of environmentalists who want
to discontinue life as we know it in Kansas, I am here today to testify
to the great work farmers and ranchers have done to protect and improve
our air, land, and water. Farmers are the original conservationists,
and continue to find ways to do more with less, while protecting our
most valuable natural resources.
National Ag Day is our opportunity to celebrate farmers and ranchers,
highlight the impact they have on our communities and country, and
remember the thousands of products made possible by their hard work.
Back home, it is a day to introduce thousands of grade school kids to
the agriculture industry with fun things like how to milk a cow,
gathering eggs, and even flying drones.
I encourage Members to join me today in celebration of National
Agriculture Day and take time to thank a farmer.
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