[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H2684-H2685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THANKING OUR FARMER COOPERATIVES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Kansas (Mr. Marshall) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, in many parts of my district and all 
across Kansas, farmer cooperatives are the foundation of a modernized 
and productive agriculture industry. For decades, co-ops have been 
farmers' primary business partner, supplier, and grain buyer. 
Memberships have been passed down from one generation to another, and 
relationships have been lifelong.
  Today, our farmer co-ops are as strong and as important as ever. In 
the far reaches of my district, the co-ops provide feed, fertilizer, 
and fuel to farmers.
  As times and needs have changed, so too have our co-ops. From online 
platforms for account statements and purchasing to precision technology 
that reduces fertilizer inputs and improves soil productivity, 
innovation has been necessary and vital to the co-ops' success.
  Kansas farmer co-ops are responsible for more than 4,600 jobs and 
$1.1 billion in total economic impact, statewide. These member-owned 
organizations have been and will continue to be vital to the continued 
growth and success of the agriculture industry.
  Farmers are facing steep headwinds, and organizations like the co-ops 
are important in helping producers navigate through uncertainty in the 
industry.
  We often take the time to thank our farmers, but it is also important 
we thank the hardworking men and

[[Page H2685]]

women of our farmer co-ops for the valuable time and expertise they put 
into supporting our farmers and our agriculture industry.


                      Celebrating National Ag Day

  Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Ag 
Day, a celebration of our Nation's oldest and most important industry 
and the hardworking men and women who put food on our table, clothes on 
our back, and fuel in our cars.
  The number of people in agriculture today is but a fraction of what 
it was 100 years ago, but the impact of today's agriculture industry is 
unprecedented. Today's farmer feeds about 165 people, and agriculture 
remains this country's number one export.
  In Kansas, agriculture accounts for nearly half the State's economy, 
and, in my district, that number is more than 60 percent. For many 
rural communities, farming and ranching is the sole economic driver.
  Kansas is the national leader in agriculture, ranking first in the 
production of grain sorghum, second in the production of wheat, third 
for cattle, and fourth in the production of sunflowers. In fact, Kansas 
is second in the Nation for the total number of acres farmed.

                              {time}  1015

  Winters like the one we are currently experiencing at home have 
highlighted the time and dedication farmers and ranchers have to their 
land and animals. In Kansas, farmers with livestock are working around 
the clock to ensure the animals are healthy, warm, and well fed. That 
means enduring subzero windchills, blizzard-like conditions, and 
middle-of-the-night checks.
  While agriculture has become a target of environmentalists who want 
to discontinue life as we know it in Kansas, I am here today to testify 
to the great work farmers and ranchers have done to protect and improve 
our air, land, and water. Farmers are the original conservationists, 
and continue to find ways to do more with less, while protecting our 
most valuable natural resources.
  National Ag Day is our opportunity to celebrate farmers and ranchers, 
highlight the impact they have on our communities and country, and 
remember the thousands of products made possible by their hard work.
  Back home, it is a day to introduce thousands of grade school kids to 
the agriculture industry with fun things like how to milk a cow, 
gathering eggs, and even flying drones.
  I encourage Members to join me today in celebration of National 
Agriculture Day and take time to thank a farmer.

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