Tell MT representatives we don’t want ag cuts

President Donald Trump’s budget proposal makes $240 billion in cuts to the Department of Agriculture over a 10 year period.

This year’s drought and fires in eastern Montana are forcing farmers to sell off herds, buy hay too early, and file to collect crop insurance. Crop insurance is facing a 36 percent cut in this budget. Without this insurance some families may have to sell their farms.

In addition, meat inspection, conservation programs, job training, clean water, rural businesses, sustainable ag and grant funding to promote soil health will be cut dramatically if this budget is approved. Cuts to the USDA Rural Development programs will cut low interest loans to develop infrastructure and rural housing, energy projects and rural solar, phone and Internet service. Rural electric co-ops will face higher costs. REAP that guarantees loans or grants to ag producers or small businesses for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects will be cut. $194 billion will be cut from SNAP over 20 years affecting 43 million children and pregnant women.

We must protect our farmers and ranchers. Call our representatives and tell them we do not want these cuts.

Pamela Boyd,

Missoula