Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Announces “No Bull” Farm Bill Workshops for San Luis Valley

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) will conclude their farm bill workshops next week with meetings in Alamosa, Colo., and Clovis, N.M. Colorado Congressman John Salazar, himself a San Luis Valley farmer, will attend the Aug. 19 meeting (7 p.m., in the Banquet Room at Adams State College).

National Farmers Union President Tom Buis will give an overview of the bill, and Assistant State Conservationist (USDA/NRCS) Tim Carney will review the Conservation title. Experts from commodity groups, government, rural development, and insurance will provide details on selected parts of the legislation. The workshops will include brief presentations and in-depth question-and-answer sessions.

RMFU President Kent Peppler, a Mead, Colo., farmer, said, “The so-called ‘Farm Bill’ is 1100 pages of legislation on food, energy, conservation, and rural community programs. It took two years to reach compromises that protect our food and energy security without hurting the environment or breaking the budget. This bill impacts everyone, not just farming and ranching families. Nearly two-thirds of the funding goes to nutrition, conservation, and energy programs, but it also addresses specific interests of food, fuel and fiber producers and rural communities. It addresses many issues that are important in the Rocky Mountain region. We are pleased that we have been able to build a team of experts who can help rural families understand how the bill affects them, and honored that Congressman Salazar has agreed to join us with his unique perspective on the bill.”

Speakers will be drawn from the many sponsoring organizations. The following organizations will participate: Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, Independent Bankers of Colorado, Colorado Potato Commission, county Farmers Union officers, and local Farmers Union Insurance agents.

Tuesday, August 19
Alamosa, Colo: 7 p.m. – Banquet Room, Adams State College