Press Releases

Today, the House Committee on Agriculture heard about drought, flood, fire and other weather-related disaster conditions that are affecting agriculture producers in many parts of the United States.

“Each year, farmers invest a great deal of time and resources into their crop, but all the hard work and money in the world can’t guarantee a good harvest and one of the most unpredictable and important factors is weather,” Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson said. “Particularly with the drought in the Southeast, floods in the Midwest and wildfires in the Western states, agriculture producers have faced difficult conditions this year, and many are struggling as a result.”

“Many areas throughout the nation, including my home state of Virginia, are experiencing drought conditions and it is taking its toll on the agriculture sector.  The goal of this Committee is to provide farmers and ranchers with an adequate safety net to ensure a steady food and fiber supply.  It is important that we fully understand the challenges facing the American farmer and rancher so we can gauge how effective our policies are in times of hardship,” said Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte.

Witness testimony is available on the Committee website, and a full transcript of the hearing will be posted on the Committee website in 4-6 weeks.

Witness List

Panel I

·      The Honorable Mike Simpson, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

Panel II

·      Mr. Bradley R. Rippey, Agricultural Meteorologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.

o       Accompanied by Dr. Gerald A. Bange, Chairperson, World Agricultural Outlook Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.

Panel III

·      The Honorable Mike Easley, Governor of the State of North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina

Panel IV

·      The Honorable Ken Givens, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Nashville, Tennessee

·      Mr. Zippy Duvall, President, Georgia Farm Bureau, Macon, Georgia

·      Mr. Bill McKinnon, Executive Secretary, Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Daleville, Virginia

http://republicans-agriculture.house.gov

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