Farm Bureau says Outlook is Uncertain

Farm Bureau says Outlook is Uncertain

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett
While Colorado farmers and ranchers are weathering the tariff wars and low commodities as best they can, the Colorado Farm Bureau says there are some signs that could point to improving conditions.

Although Vice President of Advocacy, Shawn Martini says none are a sure bet.

"There is a significant issue with Swine Disease in China right now that could potentially really help with pork demand here in the short and intermediate term. There are some significant weather events happening in Australia that could assist wheat prices for producers here in the US in the future. But at the same time we're growing bumper crops and so it's really mixed right now and nobody really know quite how to feel"

The Colorado Farm Bureau says farmers and ranchers who attend the annual Legislative and Leadership Summit in Denver next month will have a chance to bend the ear of lawmakers on important issues related to ag production.

The CFB has outlined several legislative priorities it says will improve conditions for ag producers. The group says it is committed to protecting the interests of agricultural water users, defend producers' property rights so that landowners can use their properties in the best way they see will benefit agriculture.

They'll also push for more of all forms of cost-effective energy. Other top priorities include improved access to broadband to grow and make rural businesses competitive, and improve access to healthcare through telemedicine and finally CFB will work to get more infrastructure funding into rural Colorado.

All those issues will likely come up during the Legislative and Leadership Summit as members work on skills to become effective spokespersons for agriculture with public officials and state legislators.

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