By Congressman Tom Cole
Agriculture is truly the heart of America – and as a lifelong Oklahoman, I know this firsthand.
While my home state is a leader in many things like aviation and energy, it is agriculture that really drives our state’s economy. In fact, Oklahoma ranks first in the nation in the production of rye, third in the nation in the production of wheat, fifth in the production of cattle, sixth in the production of pecans and grain sorghum, seventh in peanuts, and twelfth in watermelon. Agriculture really is such a large part of life in Oklahoma, and our farmers, ranchers, producers, and growers are essential to not only our state, but the entire nation.
In return, we must make sure that our nation’s farmers are never left behind. As the representative for over 13,000 farms and ranches in Oklahoma’s Fourth District alone, I will always fight to ensure America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities are not neglected in Congress.
Through the Farm Bill, which is passed every five years, we are able to provide our farmers with the protection and stability they need to maintain healthy crops and produce. This legislation typically includes programs like crop insurance, which is vital in a state like Oklahoma where droughts and natural disasters are likely to jeopardize a harvest or destroy crops entirely, and conservation, which is critical to the longevity and fruitfulness of our natural resources and, in turn, makes it more likely for crops to yield a better harvest. Although I do not sit on the committee of jurisdiction for the Farm Bill, I always work closely with Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03), who is the former Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, and the rest of the Oklahoma delegation to ensure that Oklahoma’s agriculture industry is taken care of through this legislation.
Additionally, in my role as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to preserving funding for our country’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. In fact, this week, I will be meeting with the Western Farm Credit Group, the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission Group to hear about what I can do to best represent them.
At the end of the day, there are no better stewards of the land than those whose livelihood depends on it. Our farmers and ranchers are truly the heart and foundation of this great nation. So, to all of those who work in the agricultural industry – thank you for all you do to put food on our tables and fuel the American people.
