Most of us know that agriculture is one of Missouri’s most valuable assets. Corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and many other crops are grown here to help feed consumers around the country. Farmers sometimes tread a delicate balance with their livelihood, counting on the weather and many other factors to ensure a successful harvest.

The spring/early summer rains here in the state were substantial, with a great many crops under water, and many planting times were late because of limited access to the fields. Farmers across Missouri were unsure of what the future would bring.

On June 18, the governor declared a state of emergency in Missouri due to widespread flooding.

Then, on July 14, the governor filed a letter of request to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the deadline of July 15 for producers reporting crop acreage to the Risk Management Agency (RMA) should be extended to allow farmers more time to assess their crops from the flood damage. The request was denied by the USDA the very next day. He then asked the Missouri attorney general to file a lawsuit to block the deadline, as an estimated 60 percent of Missouri farmers would be ineligible to receive crop insurance if the deadline remained in effect.

I’m happy to report that the attorney general has, in fact, filed suit to block the reporting deadline. While this may have an impact on many of the crop producers trying to recoup what they can from the flood and assess weather damage, I encourage all crop farmers to continue to submit their acreage reports to the RMA while the litigation continues.

Farmers are the backbone of America. I believe we need to provide every means possible to ensure farming remains strong in Missouri.

As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown.