Colorado farmers and ranchers joined producers from around the country at a rally at the U.S  Capitol today to call on the House of Representatives to pass the 2012 Farm Bill.  This week Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet met with the farmers, who are facing the worst drought in decades, and joined them in their call for passage of the bill.

“Colorado’s agriculture industry has been a strong economic driver in our state for generations,” Bennet said. “In the midst of a nationwide drought, the best thing we can do for our agricultural community is pass a full five-year Farm Bill.  It will provide tools to deal with the drought and certainty for farmers and ranchers in Colorado, while also helping ensure that landowners and producers can preserve the integrity of their farm and ranchland for future generations.  The Senate passed the bill two months ago with overwhelming bipartisan support.  Now is the time for the House to act.”

Bennet spent much of August traveling across Colorado visiting with farmers and ranchers to see drought conditions firsthand.  He traveled along the Eastern Plains to visit Harman Brothers Farms in Otis, Hirakata Farms in Rocky Ford and Crowley County Ranch. He also toured Bagwell Ranch in the San Luis Valley.

In July, Bennet spoke on the Senate floor to urge the House to take up and pass a full five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. He also sent a letter to House leadership, along with Senator Mark Udall, urging passage the bill, which includes vital resources to assist farmers and ranchers suffering from the drought.