Minnesota Stories:

Christine Lee: Keeping Our Farmers Afloat

This week we're beginning a series of stories from Minnesota voices. A regular contributor is Christine Lee.

Although I grew up as a city girl in Madison, Wisconsin and now continue to live a relatively city-oriented life, I cannot help but hold a special place in my heart for the small, picturesque family farms that dot the landscapes of both Minnesota and Wisconsin. My heart goes out to each of these farm families when I heard news of milk prices plummeting throughout 2009, even though their costs remained the same.

Dairy farmers lead a lifestyle most of us cannot even fathom: 3:00 AM wake-ups, never having a day off, and having to work outside regardless of the elements. Most importantly, these farmers are providing us with the food we eat every single day – yet, we are unable to bring ourselves to pay these farmers what they deserve.

Certainly, this is a very deep issue, and one that is not easily resolved. But in the meantime, I found myself very pleased when US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $290 million assistance program for dairy farmers last month. As a country, we’ve bailed out banks, investment companies and car dealers; finally, we bail out the people who truly deserve it. After an incredibly difficult summer where farmers were receiving about half what it costs to produce milk, this bailout was desperately needed.

I am proud that this bill was co-sponsored by Minnesota’s own Amy Klobuchar. Not only does it provide $290 million in direct funds to farmers, but it also provides $60 million to increase the level at which the USDA can buy surplus dairy products, a start towards alleviating the root of the problem. We all rely on farmers for the food we enjoy every single day, and it’s time we start treating them with the respect they deserve.

Christine Lee grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and recently graduated from the University of Minnesota.