Young farmers from states impacted by water scarcity are going to Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for farm bill programs that promote drought resilience and enable a new generation of farmers to grow the nation’s food supply.

“These young farmers have come to Washington, D.C. amid the worst drought of their lifetimes. They’re here to fight for their livelihoods, and for the future of American agriculture,” said Erin Foster West, policy specialist for National Young Farmers Coalition. “As any farmer will tell you, June is a very difficult time to leave the farm. That’s how important this Farm Bill is to their futures. America’s farm population is aging rapidly, and hundreds of millions of acres of U.S. farmland will change hands in the next two decades. The next generation already faces unique and unprecedented challenges starting their careers in agriculture, and these farmers and ranchers are also trying to do it during unprecedented conditions of limited water supply and extreme weather conditions. There’s no question that our nation needs more young farmers, and young farmers need better support for drought and climate resilience, access to credit and affordable farmland, and opportunities for training and mentorship.”

Dan Waldvogle, a rancher and NYFC member, is among those flying to Washington.

“As a beginning farmer from Colorado, I am acutely aware of the extended drought that we are experiencing,” Waldvogle said. “It can be particularly difficult for beginning farmers to withstand these events. I feel that it is extremely important that the 2018 Farm Bill have a hearty safety net and conservation programs directed toward creating resilience for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.”

Farmers participating in the June 11-12 fly-in:

The the farmers are scheduled to meet are members and staff of the Senate and House Agriculture and Natural Resource Committees including:

Source: National Young Farmers Coalition