MFU Supports Extension of SURE Program

Montana Farmers Union (MFU) President Alan Merrill reported that MFU endorses the National Farmers Union’s Board of Directors’ Resolution supporting current legislation that will extend permanent disaster programs for crop and livestock producers for one year.  The extension, sought because of recent exceptional droughts and wildfires plaguing U.S. agriculture, will provide certainty for U.S. farmers and ranchers while Congress works to pass the next farm bill.

The legislation to accomplish this needed extension is sponsored by Sens. Max Baucus, D-MT, Kent Conrad, D-ND, Tim Johnson, D-SD, and Jon Tester, D-MT.  The legislation will extend the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), Livestock Forage Program (LFP), and Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) for one year.

“Montana is experiencing extreme weather across the state, with producers losing crops and pasture,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.  “With current legislation set to expire in about two months, MFU supports this legislation to provide Montana’s family farmers and ranchers with disaster programs that are dependable and secure.”