Farm Bill amendment could jeopardize land stewardship

Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) introduced an amendment (#2253) to the 2012 Farm Bill that could potentially jeopardize farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to partner with the federal government to make improvements to land and its natural resources.

The amendment would eliminate the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall, has been a successful and effective tool for landowners seeking technical and financial assistance to implement sound conservation practices.

“Healthy natural resources provide a healthy watershed and renewable source of feed for livestock and wildlife,” said Woodall. “Cattlemen and women are committed to responsibly using and conserving land and its resources.”

Woodall said farmers and ranchers are “the best stewards of the land,” and programs like EQIP increase the implementation of innovative land management tools on farms and ranches throughout the country.

“EQIP allows farmers and ranchers to leverage their own financial investments with federal dollars to make improvements to their land, water and natural resources,” said Woodall. “This program has few enemies as it is a win-win for the environment and overall sustainability of family-owned farms and ranches.”

He said NCBA will continue to work with members of the Senate to educate them about the important cost-sharing program. Woodall said the amendment process of the Senate version of the farm bill is “fluid,” but expects the amendment to come to a vote of Tues., June 19, 2012. NCBA is encouraging interested stakeholders to contact their respective senators to urge a vote against this amendment.

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