Farm Bill Update
The Farm Bill expired on September 30 because Congress did not renew it. Congress is likely to extend the 2018 Farm Bill for another year, as they did in 2023, to give themselves more time to agree on a new Farm Bill. This puts at risk funding for conservation measures. Please contact Senators Casey and Fetterman and Representative Fitzpatrick to let them know your feelings. Below is a sample letter:
I am writing to you as a concerned constituent to strongly advocate for the passage of a full Farm Bill this year, with an emphasis on a strong Conservation title, rather than defaulting to yet another continuing resolution of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The ongoing delay in prioritizing a robust Farm Bill with effective conservation measures is a significant setback in our efforts to empower farmers to combat runoff pollution, enhance flood mitigation, and promote greenhouse gas sequestration.
I am especially interested in the inclusion of the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate-smart agriculture initiatives within the Farm Bill’s Conservation title. These funds are vital for providing direct support to Pennsylvania farmers who are dedicated to advancing their conservation efforts and enhancing climate resilience.
This legislation would secure essential financing for programs in our Commonwealth, including:
- Cover crops
- Tree/Shrub Establishment
- Nutrient Management
- Herbaceous Weed Control
- Nutrient Uptake Efficiency
In 2023 alone, Pennsylvania received $5.7 million in IRA funding, benefiting 30,000 acres of farmland. 45% of Pennsylvania’s IRA applications were rejected due to insufficient federal funding. Only 27% of Pennsylvania’s applications to EQIP and CSP were successful. And 74% of farmers agree: there should be more conservation funding, not less. These programs not only help reduce costs in the short term but also yield long-term benefits by enabling farmers to adopt sustainable practices like no-till production and cover cropping, which rejuvenate soil and prevent erosion.
It is crucial that we maintain climate safeguards to protect our natural resources and promote resilience in our agricultural systems. I encourage you to consider Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow’s “Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act” as a framework for effectively integrating these important provisions into a final Farm Bill that can gain bipartisan support.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I appreciate your commitment to supporting Pennsylvania’s farmers and ensuring a sustainable future for our agricultural sector.
Slaughterhouse Closing Update
Many of our local farmers who raise grass fed cattle use Springfield Meats in Richlandtown as a slaughterhouse. A company named MOPAC, a division of JBS, has been processing their animal waste. MOPAC has notified Springfield Meats that they will discontinue this service effective December 1, 2024. Springfield is researching other waste disposal options, but has not found one at this time.
Please alert your State Senator and Representative of this situation and ask for their assistance. The more people they hear from, the better. Without a waste disposal service, Springfield may not be able to continue processing cattle raised by our local farms.
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