|
|
Nebraska Farmers Union |
1305
Plum Street • Lincoln, NE 68502 Contact
John Hansen Office: 402-476-8815, Fax: 402-476-8859, Cell: 402-580-8815 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Farmers Attend National Farmers Union Washington
Fly-In
WASHINGTON
-- Nebraska Farmers Union members joined more than 200 farmers and ranchers
from across the country in Washington, D.C., this past week for National
Farmers Union’s legislative fly-in. Participants urged members of Congress to
address rising energy prices, support disaster relief and oppose budget cuts in
agricultural spending.
“Our
farmers are getting squeezed by skyrocketing energy related operating costs and
the near historic collapse of grain commodity prices. The weather related
problems around the country make the cost of grain/prices squeeze even worse,”
said Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen. “We felt our meetings with
Bush Administration officials and Congress were very timely and productive.”
Fly-in
participants asked Congress to address rising energy prices. Farmers and
ranchers are among the largest seasonal fuel users in the United States and
face significant increases in operating expenses. Unlike other businesses,
farmers and ranchers cannot pass along increased production costs, because they
do not set the prices for their commodities.
Nebraska
Farmers Union presented Presidential Awards for Leadership to Sen. Ben Nelson,
for his ongoing support of mandatory country-of-origin labeling and his efforts
to pass a Renewable Fuels Standard, as well as Sen. Chuck Hagel for his work in
securing a Renewable Fuels Standard
Other
issues addressed during the week included proposed budget cuts to agriculture
programs, mandatory country-of-origin labeling and a federally controlled
National Animal ID System.
Nebraska
Farmers Union members participating in the fly-in included: John Hansen, Stan
Brown and Judith Klusman, Lincoln; Terry Kirby, Central City; Steve and John
Loschen, Wilcox; Bill Rolf, Fullerton; Susan Frazier, Fairmont; Alyssa Mandel,
Omaha; and David Mohlman, Red Cloud.
-30-