Sioux City Times

U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN), alongside Senate leaders, have introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act in Washington, D.C. This proposed legislation aims to extend crop insurance protections for new and beginning farmers from five to ten years, encompassing all federal crop insurance programs.

Representative Feenstra emphasized the importance of supporting Iowa's next generation of farmers: "To keep our farmland in the hands of Iowa farmers and away from China and our foreign adversaries, we need to cut operating costs for our young and beginning farmers so that they can grow, compete, and succeed."

Senator John Thune (R-SD) expressed support for the bill by stating: "Investing in future generations of farmers and ranchers is critical to growing South Dakota’s agriculture economy." Meanwhile, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) highlighted the risks associated with starting a farm: “Even under the best of circumstances, starting a farm means taking on a great deal of risk.”

The legislation has received backing from agricultural organizations. Dale Perry from the American Association of Crop Insurers remarked: "This legislation is a step in the right direction to protect the future of farming." Lindsey Rinkenberger from COUNTRY Financial also praised the effort: “We applaud Representatives Randy Feenstra and Angie Craig as well as Senators John Thune and Amy Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership.”

The need for enhanced support is underscored by rising input costs and fluctuating commodity prices affecting over 30% of U.S. producers identified as beginning farmers or ranchers.