Shaheen Takes Time to Visit Dairy Farm

CONCORD, NH — February 21, 2014 — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) visited with dairy farmers 

today. The Bartlett family of Concord opened their barn doors to the Senator, members of the ag?

community and news reporters to discuss the new dairy provisions of the farm bill.     

On February 4, the Senate passed the farm bill, which included a new dairy program with a restructured 

safety net. The program takes into account the price of milk as well as the cost of feed and is available to 

smaller dairy farms as found here in the Granite State at a lower premium.      

“Farms are an important part of New Hampshire,” Shaheen said. “We have lost too many dairies over 

the years. They are important contributors to preserving open land. The dairy portion of the farm bill 

didn’t do everything but it is a big improvement and considers small dairy farms.”     

The USDA ? Farm Service Agency (FSA) is gearing up to implement new farm bill programs. “Once the 

rules are released we will be able to hit the ground running to assist New Hampshire farmers,” noted 

FSA, N.H. State Executive Director Jay Phinizy.     

The Senator toured the farm and took time to speak with members of the NH Farm Bureau Young 

Farmer program Jonathon Cate and Amy Gowell Drogue.  “Young people interested in farming are 

important to the future of agriculture,” Shaheen noted.  She is also looking forward to visiting with the 

Young Farmers during their annual trip to DC this April.