Farmers & Ranchers rally to protest current water allocations [VIDEO]
/KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The “Shutdown & Fed Up Taking a Stand for Ag” protest happened this afternoon in Klamath County where farmers and ranchers are standing up for what they believe is an injustice to their way of life.
The Farmers and Ranchers I spoke with just want to be heard when it comes to water allocations of the Klamath Basin.
“We’ve got to do this rally, to make the case to the country,” said Congressman Greg Walden.
According to event co-organizer Bob Gasser, “This rally is not just about this year, it’s about the future of this farm community. We need changes, so we won’t be out here in another ten years, doing the same darn thing.”
The event was broken into two parts, a motorcade and a rally.
The 20-mile long motorcade of tractors, trucks, pickups, semi’s and various farm equipment started in Merrill before progressing to downtown Klamath Falls and ending at the rally site in Midland.
Some in attendance fear the Basin has hit the point of no return for water; yet many more believe that a balance can be found between farmers and fish. However, most are frustrated with the current situation and demand something must happen to protect farmers of the Upper Klamath Basin.
Walden believes current water policies are not helping the endangered fish, or farmers.
The Shut Down & Fed Up Facebook page summarized the actions of today with the following post with this photo:
The future depends on what we do today 🇺🇸 💧🌾
Today, people within our beloved Basin and far beyond answered the call to unity and took a stand for ag.
Today, men, women & children from all backgrounds demonstrated the enormity and essential nature of the work done by our farming & ranching communities.
Today, over 2,000 vehicles covered over 20 miles of road, winding through farmland that desperately needs an immediate intervention and strong, sustainable solution for its rightful irrigation water.
Today, we stood up for our tomorrows.
We are humbled, grateful and enormously proud of every person, every operation and every organization that came together for our farms, families, wildlife refuges and communities.
There is HOPE for tomorrow because of what you ALL did today.
#thankyou #keepthebasinfarming #farmsfishwildlifecommunities #takingastandforag
Image: Shut Down & Fed Up
