Remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. Chairman thank you for convening this hearing to talk about what is – unfortunately – a very timely topic. We all know that farming and ranching come with a unique set of challenges and an inordinate amount of risk. It takes a very special person to be willing to borrow six or seven figures from the bank every year – more than many of us will borrow in a lifet... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Chair Plaskett. Farmers and ranchers are some of the most resilient people that I know, and thanks to our nation’s agricultural research and extension system, they remain at the forefront of innovation and productivity. As we look forward, there are consistently new threats developing and producers will need new tools in order to adapt to changing condi... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning. Thank you to Chairman Costa for holding this hearing and to all of you for joining us here today, especially our two distinguished witnesses. I doubt that anyone in this room needs to be reminded that trade is of incredible consequence to American agriculture. From the hog farmer in North Carolina to the almond grower in California…from the wheat far... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Chairwoman Plaskett. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over biotechnology, pesticide regulation, and plant pest and disease programs – all policy areas that will have a profound impact on the future of American agriculture. While I’m excited the subcommittee is holding its first hearing, it absolutely baffles me that our first topic is USDA office relo... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning. Thank you, Chairman Costa, for holding today’s hearing to discuss the latest animal health issues affecting our nation’s livestock industry and to review the U.S. Department Agriculture’s (USDA) animal pest and disease programs. Food security is national security, and there is no question that the animal agriculture sector faces pest and disease thre... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning, thank you Chair Spanberger for holding today’s hearing to review USDA Farm Bill conservation programs Over the past 35 years, Congress has acknowledged that voluntary conservation works, leading to significant investments in various conservation initiatives. In recent farm bills, we have expanded our financial commitment for important initiatives lik... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing to highlight the state of the farm economy. It doesn’t seem like all that long ago that we were in the midst of the Great Recession, but the agricultural economy was booming. Unfortunately, as those involved in agriculture know all too well, markets are cyclical and Mother Nature is unpredictable. Now, the... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate your indulgence to say a few words about the distinguished chairman of the CFTC. Chris, thank you. Thank you for your service; Thank you for your diligence, thoughtfulness and candor; Thank you for your relentless curiosity; And, most of all, thank you for your bottomless reservoir of optimism. Everyone up on this dais knows h... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: First off, I would like to congratulate my friend and fellow Georgian, David Scott, on chairing this subcommittee and I look forward to the bipartisan work we will do this Congress. Next, I would like to welcome the new members to this subcommittee and of course Chairman Giancarlo. Good morning, Chairman Giancarlo. It’s good to have you back here one last time bef... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Chairman Costa, for holding this hearing to focus on the state of the dairy industry. All sectors of the agricultural economy are facing challenging times, and the conditions for our dairy farmers are no exception. Dairymen across the country have faced a multi-year period of low milk prices and trade uncertainty, along with labor challenges that have r... Read more »
