‘Real, real tough’: C.O. farmers, ranchers share struggles, issues with Reps. Bentz, Feenstra

(Update: adding video, comments from farmers and ranchers, Rep, Bentz)

Bentz, fellow congressman meet with C.O. farmers, ranchers in Madras to discuss water, other issues

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Central Oregon farmers and ranchers met Friday with Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., and fellow freshman Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, to share their struggles and hardships over the past year amid severe drought and what they'd like to see the federal government do.

A lack of water, funding and employees are some of their biggest obstacles discussed during the midday gathering, which took place at the Central Oregon Livestock Auction Yard in Madras.

"It's been real, real tough here for our patrons," said Josh Bailey, general manager for the North Unit Irrigation District. "It's been a real tough one."

Mark Wunsch, president of the Jefferson County Livestock Association, shared his thoughts on funding.

"We don't necessarily want a handout," he said. "We just want a fair opportunity to do what we do."

Kurt Feigner with KSN Farms stood in front of the group and shared his frustrations with an employee shortage.

 "It's gotten to the point of ridiculous," he said. "We have one employee, and he's the director."

 Those on hand to meet the two lawmakers shared their concerns about water supplies amid a historic drought, hiring challenges, and conservation efforts related to the spotted frog, as well as a possible project to pipe irrigation water out of Lake Billy Chinook, among other issues.

The two politicians listened and took notes to get a better idea of the support and changes farmers and ranchers want.

"It seems like in the system there's somebody making decisions that doesn't know what's going on," Feigner said.

While a number of issues were brought up to both congressmen, Bentz says the problems that come with drought in Central Oregon are his top priority.

"We're in trouble when it comes to water," Bentz said. "We're in trouble when it comes to our forests, and we need to be really, really, really sensitive to the needs that are now evident from this meeting."

The U.S. Farm Bill expires and is updated every five years. Benntz and Feenstra say these issues will be taken into consideration when the bill is re-drafted in 2023.