Sample Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Residents of [name of State] should thank Senator [Name of Senator] who worked unceasingly in the final hours of 2001 to pass a federal farm bill in 2001. With farmers facing what may be the worst prices in the history of agriculture, virtually every farm organization in the country supported the immediate passage of his legislation. Unfortunately, because of key senators and partisan politics there was a Republican led filibuster that blocked Senator [NAME]'s efforts from passing the Senate floor before Christmas recess.

Now, with federal tax refunds from last year colliding with a depressed economy and the war, there will be little money left in the federal budget for family farmers and agriculture conservation when the Senate returns to session in January 2002. Senator [NAME]'s courageous efforts need to be recognized as he/she stood strong for agriculture and conservation in the final hours of debate In 2002, he/she will need the support of everyone who cares about protecting America’s system of family farm agriculture and conserving the land that supports us all.