SULLIVAN CO., N.Y. — Editor’s note: The following is a letter submitted by Alice Diehl of Diehl Homestead Dairy Farm.
This is an introduction to a bill that supports the farm families in our nation. This is a revised version of the Specter-Casey Bill, introduced in the US Senate, but died on the floor of Congress.
The “Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act” S-1640, is the only bill that supports the foundation of the dairy industry, our small family farms. Historically, farm bills have been well-lobbied for by processors and retail interests with money that should have been paid to producers (farmers). This interferes with the rights of family farms to receive enough money to cover their costs to produce milk and build their businesses for future generations of farmers.
As owners of a small family farm, we know the work and commitment it takes. We work 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We work on all holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, and make sacrifices that most would never even consider. We have done this while losing money for decades. Most farms in this country have had to give up beloved cows and farms that have been in their family for generations and felt failure, when the fault truly lies in the lack of fair legislation, not them. Let that sink in for a moment. To protect the remaining small percentage of family farms in the country, we need this bill to be introduced and passed by both sides, the Senate, and the House. Please contact your Senators and Congressmen and Congresswomen and let them know you want them to do whatever they can to help family farms in your area and across the country.
Thank you for your interest and help.
–Alice Diehl
Diehl Homestead Dairy Farm (a 7 generation farm)
Callicoon, Sullivan County, New York State
via ProAg
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