During testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works March 24, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Vice President Bob Drake expressed the urgent need for increased supplies
of domestic natural gas.
The Davis rancher told the committee natural gas is an important energy source for agriculture and associated manufacturing industries.
“Natural gas is the primary ingredient in virtually all commercial nitrogen fertilizers, accounting for 90 percent of the farmers’ total cost of anhydrous ammonia,” Drake said. “Unfortunately, high natural gas prices are threatening our nation’s fertilizer industry and could further exacerbate America’s dependence on foreign energy sources.
Drake said that farmers in Oklahoma’s Panhandle report the cost of operating their natural-gas-powered irrigation pumps increased more than 70 percent in 2003.
But, natural gas is only part of the energy concerns for High Plains farmers and ranchers. Prices of other fuels also have skyrocketed.
“Farmers and ranchers have experienced diesel fuel price increases 40 percent above historical averages,” Drake said. “With thin profit margins already squeezing our wallets, the prospect of even higher energy prices darkens our financial future.”
Drake said escalating energy prices highlights the need for a comprehensive energy plan.
“Farm Bureau strongly supports energy legislation that includes renewable energy sources while at the same time increases our domestic energy supply,” Drake said. “We urge Congress complete this important legislation this session.”
