No one knows better about tight budgets than our farmers and farm families. They have watched net farm income drop, over the past four consecutive years, by 50 percent. They have seen commodity prices drop and remain low over the last few years, as well. They endured a reduction in spending from the 2014 Farm Bill.  Yet they persevere. There is no doubt America’s farmers and ranchers are the most resilient business men and women in the world.

Now, as we look at the proposed federal budget that contains further reductions in crop insurance, conservation, rural development, and nutrition programs, we should be cautious on the effects this budget would have on our Kentucky farm families and rural Kentucky.    

It is important to understand this proposal is the first step of many in reaching an agreement on a final budget. I have great confidence in our state’s Congressional delegation and we will work tirelessly with them to advocate for a budget that will ensure our farmers have the protections and the program they need to ensure a vibrant agricultural economy.