Opening Statements

Today, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) delivered the following opening statement at today's Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry subcommittee hearing “The State of the Livestock Industry: Producer Perspectives."

Remarks as prepared:

Good morning and thank you to Chairman Mann and Ranking Member Costa for convening the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry in the 119^th Congress. And more importantly, thank you to our witnesses who have taken time out of your busy schedules to appear before us today— I look forward to hearing from each of you.

The timing of this hearing is critical. Our producers are dealing with a historic high path avian influenza outbreak; harmful state mandates like Proposition 12; and difficult market conditions, among a slew of other issues. This hearing today is a great opportunity for us to learn from the experts in front of us about the best way to combat these problems. Over the last three years, I’ve had the privilege to travel to more than 40 states and 1 territory to learn about farmers and ranchers’ top concerns.  Given the size and diversity of the livestock industry, we need a full picture of on-the-ground conditions and an honest assessment of what is and isn’t working to ensure we appropriately arm producers with the tools they need for success in the coming years.

I am proud of the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 that we passed out of Committee on a bipartisan basis last year. We increased funding for the three-legged stool, included language on negotiating animal disease regionalization agreements, improved investment opportunities for livestock auction owners, doubled funding for the MAP and FMD programs, and provided a fix for Proposition 12, just to name a few. Unfortunately, for numerous reasons outside of my control, we weren’t able to get that bill across the finish line, and America’s producers are the ones paying the prices.

We cannot let this year be a repeat of the last. I look forward to hearing from you all today about the issues you’re facing and the provisions you’d like to see included in a new Farm Bill.

I appreciate the partnership of Chairman Mann and Ranking Member Costa – and of course Ranking Member Craig – as we continue to explore potential solutions to the issues that will surely be highlighted in today’s discussion.