In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-1) underlines the correlation between strong food security and national security. The farm bill plays a critical role in ensuring the American's have the safest, most abundant and affordable food supply in the world "The investment that we make in production agriculture it returns to us in so many ways but mostly in a secure nation." Rep. Crawford said [in part]: I represent Arkansas’ 1st congressional district, and my district is home to ab...
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Washington, D.C. – House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) today made the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) swift implementation of improvements to the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for dairy producers: “The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 contained important provisions for dairy producers, cotton farmers and those affected by hurricanes and natural disasters. I am pleased that Sec. Perdue acted quickly to implement changes to MPP s...
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In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) highlights Illinois' vast agriculture industry and notes the various programs within the farm bill that have a direct impact on farmers, ranchers and consumers. "In 2018, Congress once again has the opportunity to get our food and agriculture policies right in the passage of the next farm bill." Rep. Kinzinger said [in part]: Illinois has nearly 27 million acres of farmland and remains a leader in important commodities like corn, soybea...
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In this week's, #FarmBillFriday, Rep. David G. Valadao (CA-21), a California dairy farmer, expresses the importance of strengthening the farm bill so the California dairy industry can continue to thrive. "As the largest dairy producing district in the nation, it’s important that Washington passes a farm bill that allows California dairy to continue to thrive and be successful in the future." Rep. Valadao said [in part]: Agriculture drives the American economy and it’s the backbone of the Central...
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In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Tom Cole (OK-4) highlights the importance of crop insurance to farmers and ranchers on the Plains where volatile weather conditions present constant challenges. "Probably the most important element for us is just simply crop insurance." Rep. Cole said [in part]: I represent 14,000 farms and ranches as well. Agriculture is a huge part of our economy and a big part of our heritage. The farm bill has been critical to us ever since its inception and never more cr...
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In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-10) is joined by Sec. of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA where they discuss agricultural research and innovation and the importance of a strong farm bill. Rep. Denham and Sec. Perdue said [in part]: Denham: Well Mr. Secretary, we are here in Tulare at the World Ag Expo. You and I have had a chance to drive around and see some of the new technology here. What are your thoughts about the show? Perdue: Well, it’s prett...
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Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Agriculture Committee sent its budget views and estimates letter for fiscal year 2019 to the House Budget Committee. Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) offered the below remarks: “Our committee is writing a farm bill under significantly different circumstances than it was four years ago - prices were high and the farm economy was strong. Things couldn’t look more different today. Net farm income is down to the lowest level in 12 years, and high and rising for...
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Remarks as prepared for delivery: We have one heck of a task before us this year, and that is getting a farm bill done—and done on time. Given the state of the ag economy, it can’t come soon enough for producers. With a 52 percent drop in net farm income over the past 5 years, and USDA predicting another drop in farm income to the lowest level in 12 years, the American farmer and rancher is at serious risk. In spite of these tough times in farm country, our 2014 Farm Bill is on target to save ta...
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In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Austin Scott (GA-8) is joined by Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, where they discuss the need to maintain a strong farm bill and key areas of interest to Georgia farmers. "We look forward to working with Zippy and all of the farmers and agribusinesses throughout the United States to try to make sure that we get [the farm bill] right for America." Rep. Scott and Mr. Duvall said [in part]: Scott: Hi, I’m Austin Scott with Georgia’...
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In this week's #FarmBillFriday, Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) addresses the various ways the farm bill impacts rural America. From nutrition programs to rural broadband, the farm bill is critical in keeping rural communities thriving. "As we look further into the 21st century, we’ve got to ensure that even our constituents in the very rural areas of our districts get access to broadband." Rep. Davis said [in part]: The farm bill is important because it not only addresses ag policy, but it also addre...
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