Congresswoman Jackie Walorski visits with farmers in Monterey. (Photo provided)

“Our grassroots effort provided valuable insight about the current needs and concerns in Indiana’s agricultural industry,” said Walorski. “Hoosier farmers work tirelessly to provide an abundant food supply and create jobs in our communities. Moving forward, Congress must do their part to strengthen agriculture and sustain family farms—keeping our economy strong.”

Last year, Congress failed to pass a 5-year Farm Bill, putting farmers at a disadvantage and projecting Washington uncertainty onto the agriculture industry. Indiana is home to over 60,000 farms, covering 14.5 million acres of land, and accounting for 16 percent of the workforce—most commonly producing corn for grain and soybeans in the Second District. In the face of a horrific drought last summer, Hoosier farmers expressed the importance of federal support for critical programs and the need to repeal overly burdensome regulations.

“We appreciate Rep. Walorski organizing this tour to gain valuable insight about our daily concerns,” said Brad Lawrence, Starke County Farm Bureau president. “Her grassroots effort to connect with local farmers and understand the tough issues will be invaluable as she works to represent us in Congress."

Congresswoman Walorski stopped at family farms in all 10 counties of Indiana’s Second District over the course of two days—ranging from livestock to wheat farms. In Pulaski County she visited with farmers in Monterey. She completed her tour at the Starke County annual Farm Bureau meeting in Knox on Tuesday evening.