Potential Government Shutdown Hurts Montana Agriculture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2016

Lyndsay Bruno, Communications Director

Office: 452-6406; Cell: 788-8777

lbruno@montanafarmersunion.com

Montana Farmers Union says potential government shutdown

Causes uncertainty for Montana’s farmers & ranchers

GREAT FALLS, MT (September 28, 2016) – Montana Farmers Union (MFU) President Alan Merrill issued the following statement:

“The U.S. Congress’ inability to agree on how to fund the government causes uncertainty and potential hardship across the country.

“Depending on how long the shutdown lasts, farmers and ranchers will not be able to receive any loans for programs they have applied for and it is possible that payments for loans already approved could be delayed.  This delay could be especially problematic for beginning farmers and ranchers.

“No funding for the Farm Service Agency could mean that many services will be delayed or interrupted for farmers, ranchers, and associated customers.  For example, this includes, but is not limited to, FSA’s commodity price support activities and commodity loans, farm loans, disaster assistance, and conservation programs.

“MFU urges Congress to quit pandering to the vocal few and begin real and substantive work on behalf of ALL American citizens.”

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Montana Farmers Union is a statewide grassroots organization working for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through conferences, scholarships and other educational opportunities as well as legislative representation and support for producer-owned co-ops.