The Senate Agriculture Committee held its first Farm Bill hearing in Manhattan,
Kansas on Thursday. Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow
heard from 18 witnesses representing Kansas producer organizations, lenders,
electric cooperatives, natural resource interests and other rural community
representatives.
This hearing marks the start of the Senate's official work toward the next Farm
Bill. Kansas Association of Wheat Growers President and National Association of
Wheat Growers board member Ken Wood testified on behalf of wheat growers at the
hearing. In his testimony, Wood stressed the importance of a farm safety net,
including crop insurance, farm programs, and the need to support trade and
expand wheat exports.
A similar hearing is expected to be held in Michigan later this spring.
The House Agriculture Committee is continuing their Farm Bill oversight
hearings with Subcommittee hearings next week focusing on International Market
Development and Conservation Policy. Both of the Subcommittee hearings will be
held on Tuesday, February 28.