Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

As one of the top agriculture producing states in the country, Kansas has long been known as the breadbasket of America. With the emergence of a global marketplace, Kansas farmers and ranchers also play a significant role in feeding people around the world. It is no exaggeration to say that American farmers and ranchers produce the highest quality and safest food in the world.

I am proud to serve as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Farming is considered one of the most difficult occupations in the United States. Equipment costs are intensive and the success or failure of a crop often depends on weather and other factors that producers cannot control. Due to the important role agriculture plays in our national security and the Kansas economy, I strongly support policies to maintain risk-based agriculture programs and trade promotion activities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In farm country, investments into production agriculture and research are an investment in both the security of our country and the future of our farms and rural communities.

In Kansas, the success of our state's economy often relies upon agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's report "Kansas Farm Facts 2012," the 65,500 farms statewide, with an average size of 700 acres, contribute over $15.8 billion in cash receipts through agriculture production. Kansas consistently leads the nation in the production of wheat, grain sorghum and cattle. As a former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I understand and appreciate the contribution of production agriculture to the health and success of our nation. As Congress continues to debate farm policy, I will fight for policies that provide producers certainty though a strong safety net, including sound risk management tools, while also preventing over regulation.

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