I introduced the Precision Farming Act of 2016 to encourage the construction of rural broadband connections to farms by allowing providers to receive reimbursements for the costs related to construction. The legislation would put our nation’s farmers first by prioritizing their loan applications. To compete in a 21st Century economy, our farmers must have access to broadband technology.

Agriculture is the backbone of our North Country economy. When I travel the district speaking with our farmers, I often hear about how unnecessary delays in worker visas lead to difficulty meeting production goals. My common-sense legislation, the Family Farm Relief Act, simply puts the agricultural visa program in the hands of those who best understand the specific needs of our farms. I will continue to fight to reduce the regulatory burdens our farmers face so they can focus on feeding our community and Nation.

I listened to our farmers and fought to repeal the burdensome overreaching regulation of the Waters of the U.S. rule hurting our North Country agriculture.

I know that agriculture is the backbone of our North Country economy. I helped to pass the bipartisan Farm Bill that delivers important wins for our local farmers. Critically, it provides needed support for our dairy farmers who are facing a crisis right now. It also authorizes over $500 million in loan and grant programs to expand access to rural broadband – a key economic priority for our region. This legislation includes important environmental and conservation provisions, and I successfully fought to include two amendments to combat invasive species, such as the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

2018 Result: I was proud to help pass the Farm Bill, which included my initiatives to better serve North Country dairy producers. I fought to increase the top coverage level for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) that protects farmers when the difference between milk prices and feed costs drops below a certain amount. This bill also helps reduce costs for our dairy farmers by including my request to reduce MPP premiums significantly on every farmer’s first five million pounds of milk covered in the program – roughly 220 cows. These common-sense fixes will give our North Country dairy farms the support they need.