Holland Reporter

Sen. Roger Victory (R-Hudsonville) was among the many attending a special joint committee hearing aimed at fixing major challenges faced by state farmers at the Michigan State University Pavilion, according to an article originally posted on his website.

The meeting in August was put on by the House and Senate Agriculture Committee. Testimonies from farmers and agriculture experts outlined some of the problems they experience in their business. The experts derived from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, the Michigan Farm Bureau and others.

Victory initially explained in the article how he aims to improve farming conditions in the state so the industry is not damaged significantly.

“Solving the current agriculture crisis here in Michigan will take a renewed effort and the best minds providing expert input,” Victory said. “Thankfully, we heard from some of those experts in the field today regarding not only our disastrously wet spring but additional problems facing the industry.”

Victory stated that a difficult growing season and high amounts of rain are hurting farmers’ businesses, with only 68 percent of total corn crop and 70 percent of total soybean crop being planted. Victory also mentioned that the farming industry is experiencing economic and financial difficulties.