Nation’s Wheat Farmers Honor Walt

Walt Minnick - Right for Idaho

February 23, 2010

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick is fighting for Idaho agriculture in Congress, and farmers have taken notice.

The National Association of Wheat Growers awarded the 2009 Wheat Advocate Award to U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick. The award is given to “Members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm,” according to a NAWG press release.

“As someone who grew up on a family wheat farm, I know firsthand that farmers and ranchers form the backbone of America so I am honored to accept this award,” Minnick said. “Wheat farmers are not only a key component of Idaho’s economy, but family farms are the foundations of Idaho’s rural communities. I take my job on the House Agriculture Committee very seriously and use my position to strengthen family farms, fight for healthy markets, stave off unfair or unbalanced regulation, keep farmers working the land, and make sure Idaho’s agricultural industry is competitive on a global scale. If we work just half as hard in Washington, D.C., as farmers work in Idaho, we can solve many of the problems plaguing our country.”

Travis Jones, Executive Director of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, said Idaho farmers are grateful for Minnick’s support in Washington, D.C.

“He has taken some big votes, tough votes, for us on our behalf in the first session of the 111th Congress,” Jones said. “IGPA is very fortunate to have Congressman Minnick working on our behalf and that of Idaho grain producers. We look forward to his help in the upcoming year.”

In 2009, Idaho farmers produced 99.1 million bushels, up 1 percent from 2008. But these are difficult times for Idaho’s farmers and ranchers. Declines in the dairy and beef industries, drove net farm income down by 47 percent, from $1.904 billion in 2008 to $1.018 billion last year. Despite the decline, Idaho agriculture earned an estimated $5.4 billion in 2009 cash receipts and employed 17 percent of Idaho’s work force.