Letter to Tom Vilsack, Secretary, US Department of Agriculture - Dairy Farming

Letter

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I write to invite you to visit New Hampshire as soon as possible to meet directly with local dairy farmers about the urgent crisis facing the industry, which has already contributed to the closure of 16 percent of my state's dairy farms in the past eight months alone, according to the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture.

As you recall, on July 28, 2016, I joined several of my colleagues from the Senate and House of Representatives in writing to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implore the use secretarial authority to provide support for our nation's dairy operations. I commend the Department's initiative to purchase an estimated 11 million pounds of cheese from dairy farmers, and urge USDA to purchase more cheese when appropriate. Additionally, I appreciate the Department's attention to the ongoing drought being experienced across New Hampshire which is further burdening our dairy farmers. I strongly encourage USDA expend available resources to provide aid for New Hampshire's dairy farmers, as well as to identify subsequent ways to support the industry. Should the Department determine that further authorizations are required to aid dairy farmers, please communicate what Congressional action is necessary.

New Hampshire's dairy farmers, many of whom have been running farming operations for generations, work incredibly hard to provide nutritious products for families across our state and nation. However, prolonged drought conditions combined with low milk prices are having a devastating impact on these small and medium size farms. Without immediate action, more farms are in danger of closing. I respectfully request that you visit New Hampshire to hear directly from local dairy farmers to help ensure the survival of these vital small businesses and the jobs they support.

Thank you for your attention to this request, and I look forward to hearing from you.

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