Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good afternoon everyone. Before we begin, I would like to recognize the life and legacy of Chairman Bob Smith. Bob Smith was a family man, a team roper, a cattle rancher, a banker, a contractor, and a legislator. He loved this institution and understood that working across the aisle was the best way to succeed. Bob was a politician’s politician, and many sought hi... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling today’s hearing to review on-farm energy production. I believe this hearing is timely given the current discussions taking place on the future of U.S. energy policy and the future of U.S. agriculture. Recently, the majority staff of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released a report which details recommended congressio... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Madam Chair. When Secretary Perdue announced the creation of the Farmers to Families Food Box program, I was excited. This was a way to expeditiously assist producers—many of whom were plowing over crops or dumping milk because of supply chain disruptions—as well as consumers who found themselves in circumstances beyond their control, and in great need.... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses. We are especially fortunate to have you here representing production agriculture, knowing that spring is a busy time of year on the farm. I look forward to your comments about how trade has impacted your operations, and the opportunities you each see ahead in the future. American farmers and ranchers produce... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Welcome, Secretary Perdue. We’re glad to have you with us today. We recognize you’ve got your hands full. Your hard work in implementing the 2018 Farm Bill, WHIP Plus disaster assistance, and the Market Facilitation Program has been and continues to be absolutely vital in helping our farmers and ranchers weather their seventh straight year... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Madam Chair. Good morning. We meet again as our farmers and ranchers back home continue to face tough times. Whether it’s new pest and disease pressures, shortage in good labor, or a shorter list of reliable crop protection tools; the list goes on. An economy that is booming for so many others is still not providing much-needed relief for many in the ag... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning. Thank you Chair Spanberger for calling today’s hearing to review the implementation of conservation programs in the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. Over the course of 2019, we heard from many producers about the benefits of conservation and the assistance they receive from conservation programs. I learned of the many innovative conservation pra... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning and thank you to Chair Spanberger for calling today’s hearing. Today, we are reviewing access to the nation's voluntary conservation programs. Over the last 20 years, Congress has made significant investment in these programs by providing our farmers and ranchers the tools necessary to protect and conserve not only their land, but their way of life. C... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Chairman Scott, thank you for calling today’s hearing, allowing the subcommittee to continue its review of credit conditions in rural America. Last month, we had the opportunity to hear from the Farm Credit Administration to review the safety and soundness of the Farm Credit System. We heard that farm debt is forecast to climb to near all-time highs, reminiscent o... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to our witnesses for being here today. I look forward to hearing your testimony regarding international food assistance and development programs authorized in the Farm Bill and subsequent implementation by both USDA and USAID. This is our first hearing on international food assistance and agricultural development this Congres... Read more »
