In the last several months, hog prices plummeted and are still below cost. Corn and soybean prices are in a slump. Farmers struggle under the burden of excessive taxes and regulation. And farmers lack adequate means to weather the ups and downs of today's unpredictable agricultural markets. The bottom line is that many Illinois farmers are having trouble making ends meet and farms are shutting down because federal agricultural policies do not provide sufficient solutions.
Agriculture is critical to both the economy of America and Illinois.
Including related industries, agriculture is the nation's largest employer. When I entered the U.S. Senate last month, I worked hard to secure a seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee so that our state and our farmers could have a strong voice in Washington. Farmers need open overseas markets for farm and food products. Illinois farmers depend on foreign trade for their economic well-being. But over the last three years, farm exports dropped nationwide, putting many Illinois farmers at risk.