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good morning and welcome. it is my privilege to call this hearing to order. i like to thank our witnesses for taking time away from your families and your farms to share your expertise with our committees. before we get started want to take a moment to thank agriculture secretary brooke rollins for her announcement on the bold strategy to address avian influenza. the virus continues to threaten our poultry and dairy farmers of rippling affects the the food supply chain. i applaud the trump administration for prioritizing

response from day one. this hearing is the second in a series to examine state of the agricultural economy by getting the perspective of the leading producers across our country. these hearings are meant to help the committee understand the challenges our farmers and rural communities currently face as we work to pass a five-year farm bill. in our first hearing we heard from some of our major farm groups and rural crop produces about their unique experiences. today and i'm delighted to welcome two additional very important constituencies to the discussion. first we will hear from several specialty crop growers and stakeholders from various parts of the country. especially crop industry continues to face unique pressures, the high cost of labor, competition with gv employed, pestilence and disease, limited access to risk

management tools in the schools on on. our second panel or feature livestock and dairy producers. while they have seen some improvement in economic conditions in recent years, significant headwinds-livestock production is highly capital-intensive. high interest rates and elevator production costs have trimmed margins. animal disease threats like avian influenza and new world screw worm add tremendous uncertainty across all aspects. burdensome government regulation of both the federal and state level have also threaten the viability of life stop rations. for example california prop 12 has required many of our pork producers to spend millions of dollars retrofitting their bargains while costing the california consumers nearly $300 million annually.

to support both specialty crop and livestock producers it's important to continue investing in our research and marketing programs. we must invest in our animal health programs to prevent and respond to disease outbreak. we must address regulatory overreach burdening producers. san willing and ready to roll up our sleeves to get work in passing the new farm bill ike turned her ranking member klobuchar for opening comments. thank you to all of our witnesses including lori who is hear from minnesota.

she is with our pork producers as well as a jon zimmerman from our state with the turkey producers. we are excited to have them here. have a certainty that they need difficult economy. on the needs of the people of the nation. tackling today's challenges ahead on potential tariffs but i do not agree with or just want to put a footnote on that. or, whether they are ensuring our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to thrive. our witnesses today are going to shed light on the challenges facing our farmers including those who grow fruits and vegetables. i really appreciated the words of cherub ozment about the headwinds that these farmers

face. we also are going to focus on those who milk a cow statement in day out for those raise the high quality beef, pork, poultry that fuel as today's first panel as noted is going to focus on specialty crops. i think instead of calling them specialty crops going there and get everything from potato, two asparagus, to apples, to the chilis from new mexico which is way too hot for minnesota but i cannot wait to try them. we should call them omni present crops for crops it really matter to the people of this country but according to the most recent census of agriculture there are over 5000 farms in senator smith's and my state growing these crops. representing over $3 billion in market value. that is why the specialty crop block grant program is so important. other things we can do as we look at the challenges ahead as we can improve crop insurance options for these growers and give them the tools they need to

prevent devastating pest and disease outbreaks. we can protect our investment in critical nutrition programs allowing americans to afford more fruits and vegetables. we must stand with these farmers as they face the workforce shortages, emerging diseases, import pressures that threaten their economic viability. in the one thing we don't want to do is make things worse. our second panel will focus on her poultry, livestock and dairy farmers. now more than ever we must support our poultry and livestock producers as their farms are hit by avian flu. this outbreak is impacted more than 160 million birds nearly 1000 dairy herds across the country causing economic hardship for producers and driving up food cost for their families. i look forward to reading and learning about the proposal set forward by the secretary of secf agriculture today. it was the number one thing i raised with her we look forward to reviewing it. i'm sure we will always have

suggestions. we must follow the science to build on existing national testing strategies and support for farmers engaging with experts to develop new prevention and response methods and a thoughtful vaccine strategy for any vaccine strategy must be supported by of course field trials, clear plan for outreach and proactive engagement with our trading partners to medicate market disruption break keeps nonpartisan experts in the federal government including veterinarians, animal disease reachers-researchers, front-line frontlineanimal disease respond. my colleagues and i of course have impressed with how most people are laid off i understand summer being rehired. we just cannot mess around this right now. we must make sure usda has the resources available to respond to this outbreak. this outbreak also underscores the need to invest in the national animal health lab

network, national animal vaccine bank national animal disease preparedness and response program. senator cornyn and i establishes programs in the 2018 farmville they were of help during the last outbreaks but we have to do more. in addition to giving livestock producers the support they and their farms, we need to make it easier, not harder, to reach new markets. the recent proposal to implement sweeping tariffs on canada and mexico even if delayed 30 days 30 cause chaos in the marketplace and threaten farmers livelihood. farmers in our state in particular stand to suffer from tariffs run 1 million cribs craig pigs across our borders can every single year but on top of that almost two weeks ago the president announced new plans to develop reciprocal tariffs on all countries that would go into effect as soon as april. we do not know the details of where and how high these new tariffs would be, we do know

agriculture often bears the brunt of retaliatory tariffs. this fits more markets in jeopardy as farmers try to plan this year. the bottom line is that our farmers need certainty the certainty of a fair playing field and transparent practices for all the certainty we are investing and the research and response programs that protect their crops, and their flocks. the certainty and trade policy continue do what they do best, eating and feeling the world. all this will be important to keep in mind as we continued the committee's task of passing a bipartisan farmville. as i've said often i'm so excited to work with senator boozman and our team, excited about our new members. later on this committee, senator justice in a work together to get a farm bill done. it cannot be more important so thank you very much cherub ozment.

>> and very excited about our committee this year. we simply have a great committee with a lot of outstanding individuals. before we began introducing her first panel i request unanimous consent to submit for the record a number of written testimonies and materials the committee has received for today's hearing. without objection so ordered. we will now introduce the first panel of witnesses mr. brett erickson, i'm happy to introduce brett who serves as chair of the u.s. government relations counsel for the international produce association. he lives in the rio grande valley, texas. as a senior executive for jnd protas which is a family owned and operated grower packer shipper of more than 40 products. i had the pleasure of meeting brett last year during a farmville listening session in texas with senator cornyn. brett, thank you so much for

being here today. mr. jeremy, senator mcconnell was unable to be with us this morning but he is very proud cap jeremy here before the committee today. submitting senator mcconnell's remarks regarding jeremy into the record. without objection, so ordered. chairman is an eighth grade gent eighth. [laughter] i've got to slow down. [laughter] jeremy hinton is an eighth generation farmer from kentucky. he and his wife joanne owned and operated diversified farming operation that in addition to soybeans, and barley and tobacco includes two direct to consumer farm markets selling a variety of greenhouse flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables. jeremy, thank you for being here. doctor tim serve as a director

company going introduce question i'm sorry. >> thank you. thank you for not stealing my thunder mr. chairman. [laughter] at the auditor to introduce tim boring the director of michigan's department of agriculture or rural development and dart as we call it. the commitment to investing in our states farming communities opportunities for food at ag businesses protecting consumers from the pump to the plate. and preserving michigan's natural resources. magically at great lakes he approaches those issues with a focus on economic prosperity, regenerative egg, diversified agriculture production across the state. we like to say in michigan, we used to say when the second most diverse agricultural state in the country after california prayer would change the tagline we are the most diverse agricultural state in the country with regular access to

water. do that when censorship is out of the room. >> a manager told him to get out before us started picking on california. he's a sixth generation farmer in stockbridge, michigan i visited his farm his family farm this is personal to him. he's got his phd from michigan state university, go green. i've had the pleasure of working with him for many, many years. want to take a particular moment in saying that mr. boring has done to prevent avian flu and state of michigan. michigan was hit early with avian flu. and i think watching the state stateof michigan, again without regard to party. without regard to politics. just do what we needed to do to control the outbreak and spread of avian flu has been an example for the rest of the country. so for all he does every day for specialty crops i know we've have our potato farmers in the room and others.

thank you to tim boring i'm glad to share his wisdom with the greater panel here. >> thank you. senator hyde smith. >> thank you, mr. chairman very much. it is my pleasure to introduce one of our witnesses today from mississippi and had the pleasure of meeting with her earlier. such a delightful meeting i so appreciate your efforts in being here today. we have ms. anna, she and her brother and her husband operate sandy ridge farms in senate soviet mississippi. she is just complete a three-year term serving on the mississippi farm bureau federation state young farmers and ranchers committee. which is so viable in our state and such a good, good organization. she currently serves on mississippi sweet potato council board as well as on mississippi farm bureau labor committee which we all know the issues

with labor. think of your efforts there. just last year end it was same 2024 mississippi farm woman of the year. so, we just want to welcome you today. i'm sure there's several people watching i believe evelyn and grace are watching is what mother of two but you do a great job where you are i thank you for representing mississippi as well as you do. >> very good. senator lujan will introduce next. >> thank you it's an honor to introduce been a dedicated community leader, agricultural expert and actually advocate from deming, new mexico. the leader of new mexico farming community works tirelessly to represent the priorities of our local farmers. as the president of the new mexico chili association, he plays a crucial in promoting and protecting new mexico pride and joy.

our chili that is within e not with an eye. he was raised on an alfalfa farm in carlsbad, new mexico where his life in agriculture began is the proud husband of jessica and the proud father of samuel. currently he is the agricultural operations crop manager of food ingredients chili pepper division in deming where he oversees the plant program specializing delete peppered genetic innovation. dedicated's career to ensuring the chili industry thrives in our state preserving this important agricultural tradition for future farmers and chili lovers. now, as is pointed out sometimes there is some heat involved with our chili products. but, i'm telling it's always flavorful. for those who have not fallen in love with it yet, let me know i'll serve it for you and prepare myself pretty hills in undergraduate and master's degree in agribusiness from new mexico state university dwell

attending he was employed by the chili pepper institute. his time and msu fosters love of actually in lifetime of experience in the field he has built a deep understanding of the industry its impact on new mexico's economy and culture. ben, which are recognized or extensive knowledge and experience. we appreciate you being here and especially the sacrifice of all of our panelists taking time away from your families, from your responsibilities at home to be here these conversation matters as well so thanks for having this, i yield back too. >> we look forward to some chili. >> yes, sir. again, i think all of you so much for being here. quick thinking chairman boozman, ranking member of klobuchar andd members of the committee. the produce over owner groaned headquartered in texas. jimmy and diane came to texas from new jersey in 1984 insert a

small mom-and-pop brokerage which is grown into multi- natural agribusiness. with conference of benefits including health and life insurance and 401(k). we hired additional five or 600 seasonal workers primarily packager products. labor cost him in the biggest threat to the future of the u.s. fresh produce growers. in texas, or labor costs and essentially doubled in just five years. we are currently at $23 an hour for our cost of a federally mandated adverse effect breach great lakes labor cost beyond market reality make it difficult to compete with foreign producers. we urge usda to revise to face wages only. additional clues request usda two-point egg liaison to the department of labor to help guide policy that impacts food and farm production. texas farmers are facing severe water shortages in part due to mexico's failure to meet its obligation for the 1944 water treaty. mexico is required to deliver 200,000 acre-feet of water per

year. air now in debt 1.3 million acre-feet which is over six years behind schedule while other regions pray for recovery from hurricane disasters, we are literally praying for hurricanes to refill our reservoirs. lesson 10 years ago were paying about 30-dollar-acre foot of water. today it's as high as two $125 per acre foot and climbing. that is if we can find it. meanwhile mexico's withholding six years worth of water using it to grow competing crops like onions and pecans. farmville predators, especially crops are present half the total u.s. farm gate crop value they receive less than 1% farmville funding. boot urge investments in research and develop or increase yield, sustainability, mechanization and optimization. expanded crop insurance, texas produces nearly 65 specialty crops. we've insurance programs for three. market development supports a stabilized pricing and to

stabilize pricing and competitiveness in federal procurement for specialty crop purchases. crop retention regular trade challenges fresh produce rapidly close to tools petite pesticides and herbicides are phased out as you viable alternatives fewer pipeline. recent example and herbicide we relied on for onion production after 50 years of safe use epa abruptly canceled last year with no comparable replacement. has yet to provide guidance on viable alternatives creates insta buddy for growers opportunity for foreign producers we urge congress to restrain regulatory overreach and bureaucratic red tape. traded economic competitiveness fresh produce growers. highlighted usda showing eye-popping decline in the fresh produce trade balance you should have that chart in your papers. if we get early 90s has accelerated through 2022.

like many in our industry or company imports from mexico to supplement u.s. production in order to provide our customers a consistent year-round supply. only when we are out of season. at the end of the date pricing is king. how could it u.s. gore compete on cilantro, onions or parsley or watermelon when my labor cost is $23 per man hour the foreign producers pay their work or $18 per day? operates in at less regulation but that's not a fair playing field. on the flipside we sell a lot of products are canadian friends are incredible customers who value good quality. they want fresh produce and by whenever about i admire that and believe we can learn a lesson from her friends. reference of the northborough protector growers, they keep you fed. in closing, over the last three decades excessive regulation pushing production out of the u.s. into the arms of cheaper

less regulated foreign producers. once our production's loss is not likely to return. the bears are too high the cost of land, equipment, labor make it nearly impossible for farmers into the business. we should protect and preserve what remains of her specialty crop production interest of a national security in the future wellness of her country. thank you for the opportunity to testify at god bless our farmers. >> good morning chairman. and members of the committee. i like to be in today with the quote no other human basin open so wide of real combination of labor, cultivate thought is agriculture. as an eighth generation farmer my connection to agriculture traces back the time lincoln watered the fields around his home but first of the farming operation that looks different for my grandfather's herford cattle farm.

and second as a crop insurance agent helping others manage the risk. greenhouse flowers and vegetable plants most of her sales are direct to consumers there are two retail markets local farmers markets. my wife joanne and i began the business in 2002 have been involved with production and marketing of our crops along with her three children ages 20, 17, 11 versus committee develops in its farmville plan for the present and the future. work on farming crop insurance requires a similar focus notes most acres are covered of the federal crop insurance programs got participation for specialty crop growers is often more complicated. because sporadic geographic distribution limits policy availability agents in grossman's often work to ensure specialty crops. companionate micro foreign policies can be complicated for

both farmers and agents. have not been widely adopted employing 20246 foreign policies and for micro farm policy is written kentucky converged in the 7000 policies for soybeans. efforts are being made by organizations like kentucky horticulture council which i shared an increase under for specialty crops many growers do not understand how they work for their operation. we look for solutions to better manage risk and specialty crops, possibly solutions may include improvements rainfall and temperature index products. that could have consideration for access and below normal conditions. expanded revenue products for specialty crops based on farm records more than tax returns. each of these have challenges i encourage you to engage with crop insurance industry and specialty crop growers help find solutions. labor is another area that require specialty crop growers to work in the moment while keeping an eye on the future. think other members will address

that so i'm going to move on. as we work for a better future, specialty crop growers are especially dependent on resources and extension for disease and pest control and fertility in our crops is invaluable to our success. your support is vital to research technical assistance with agriculture. the true focus on the future it must also recognize a loss of farmland to development of kentucky and across the nation. according to the census of agriculture kentucky lost more than 546,000 acres of farmland from 2017 until 2022. for more than 290 acres per day. for contracts average farm size and kentucky's 179 acres. kentucky farm bureau's arc throughout the creation of the kentucky firm and transition fan initiative is working with stakeholders about the state and local levels to provide resources and education, network opportunities, and develop policy recommendations. i urge your involvement in developing solutions to this

important issue. while on one hand new neighbors mean your customers or retail markets like ours, we must find a bouncer being well-planned development farmland preservation to ensure the future of our farms and or rural communities. despite many shelters many positives especially crop segment of agriculture in direct to consumer sales with increased demand for locally grown products, for building relationships with those who want to know the farmer feeding their families. new farm bills an opportunity to increase the purchases of locally grown foods for schools, hospitals, and other state and federal institutions. open additional markets for our products improve the health of our communities. all focusing on the issues of today in the future, i look forward to my children becoming the ninth generation to farm the lands were lincoln walked i want to thank each of you for your willingness to serve in your work to ensure healthy agriculture industry in a safe stable feed supply. it's an honor feature addresses group note for to answer any questions. >> thank you.

>> good morning chairman, ranking member klobuchar, members of the committee. thank you for the opportunity to participate today. my focus of an specialty crops their importance, the challenges and opportunities to growers and consumers face as you continue to work on the farm bill. members of this committee especially crops today and for years to come, look forward to the constructive solutions and policy decisions all come out of his hearing. as a junior senator from michigan, likes to point out food security's national security. i believe the next farmville sits at a crossroads for whether not we take that seriously. the perspective i bring to the hearing today is the direction of the michigan department of agriculture and rural development. i'm proudly the state agency and dedicated public servants, are committed to providing opportunities for food and agricultural businesses lifting up our rural communities and preserving michigan's natural resources. agriculture is one of five billy no industry i consider especially crop farmers the backbone of our success with where the 300 specialty crops but it's in our state. since your invitation was extent

to my test my vast by producers to share just how vital specialty crop support programs are for their existence. unfortunately for many specialty crops, times have never been more tenuous. but once provided an avenue for farmers to diversify their products has forced many to choose whether or not there farm will come back for the next generation. whether it's trade pressures, rising input costs, climate variability, labor constraints, threats of pest and disease, many specialty crop countries in this country are harder to grow, or difficult to get to market, or challenging as ever to reach the consumer. in the interest of time this morning i'm going to highlight some key areas that are currently support in the farm bill or need to become a priority as well share of what were doing it michigan that is seeing success and deserves more attention the federal level. first, public-sector research has been critical for specialty crops. specifically, specialty crop block grants that are currently supported by specialty crop research initiative. these investments have been instrumental in keeping farmers one step ahead of the next disease or past threat. for instance lester michigan,

cherry farmers lost when 30 and 75% of their crops abnormal weather events that drove on president insect pressure. loss is becoming far more common farmville that provides core support for new research, helps ensure the continuation of family farms in the face of these unprecedented challenges per is critical to the long-term viability for crops in michigan across the country. another area growers made clear its continued support as a marketing assistance for specialty crop program which helps growers expand domestic markets and new markets for the crops. at a time of the so many unknowns for the traded partnerships, fostering stronger domestic marmots will be critical for the success of our growers. finally went to share two areas we are seeing success in michigan, thanks it governor prescient whitmer investing state dollars in these programs. regenerative regenerative agriculture active approach to land management driven by soil

health. regenerative agriculture unit, the first of its kind embedded in the state department supports producers engaging in in this approach to production agriculture. by adopting re- jen ag practices farmers and land owner improved for healthy soils, safeguard natural resources for future generations. commodity road crop poppers front lines it into the grading these practices but are important for special crop growers affirmed family program also first of its kind effort working to strengthen agri- food systems, bolstering market products and increasing food access and availability. first investment of this initiative is meddled supply chain program supporting food hubs and farm stops innovative models of market models of distribution important value chain for a variety especially crops in our state. together these programs work to add value to the crops grow michigan farms and get those crops to the people of michigan. i share all this today because as part of our specialty crops

rectally translates the tools it keeps farmers farming, keeps rural community is vibrant, keeps fruit and vegetables on the dinner plates across america. thank you again for the opportunity this money out for to questions from the committee. >> chairman posen, ranking member klobuchar other distinct members the committee print thank you for inviting me too testify about the current state of our for to questions from the committee. >> chairman posen, ranking member klobuchar other distinct members of the committee print thank you for inviting me too testify about the current state of our farm economy. our nation has expense many years left the robust and successful farm economy for the current conversations on farm office tables milk boxes full of farm sale so vastly different story what's happened in the last five years. new equipment 30 -- 40% higher, many parts and repairs have doubled or tripled. for specialty crop producers have increased by at least 50%. wage rates have increased in our state by 30%. farmers who went to profitable enough to find sales are now paying eight -- 10% interest rate multi- million-dollar

operating loans just to try to stay afloat. these increases are taking hundreds of thousands of dollars off farmers and bottom lines every year. some of these same farmers have explains on precedent of weather events that have diminished and destroyed their crops. and finally market pricing for crops like soy beans and sweet potatoes have been stagnant if not in decline. farmers are trying to claw their way out, they cannot pay their debt with losses. especially crop producers like me or face of the variable that if not addressed soon, it's going to be the catalyst for closure. the number of messages i received in last 24 hours regarding this testimony has made an impression on me. there are so many constituents watching today. they are encouraged his hearing was called they are hopeful that you are listening and will help us. while they understand this committee does not have direct jurisdiction over the program of reform, i urge you to share my testimony with your colleagues and make them aware we are

desperate for relief. the adverse effect wage rate was initially established to protect domestic farmworkers from ford worker wage depression. decades later the domestic workforce has almost entirely moved away from owned farm jobs. in 2023, of the 380,000h to a eligible positions, only 10,000 domestic applications were received. 97% went unanswered. since 2019 has risen almost 31% resulting in an additional 12 million-dollar impact to mississippi sweet potato growers annually. we do not understand why the rate continues to rise so dramatically using the rationale that it is to protect domestic workforce that no longer exists. seasonality restrictions are affecting our farmers. we increasingly need year-round solution. our long-term domestic crews are dwindling there do not seem to be any new workers willing to fill that gap. some farms are closing for two

months missing critical sales until age two a workers return. finally, 24 months the department of labor has issued over 3000 patients h to a ruling. please understand h to eight workers on our farms with our families for months at a time when a very positive relationships with our workers. to suggest it requires thousands of regulations to establish a fair, safe and mutually beneficial employer employee arrangement is offensive to farmers. our livelihood are inextricably linked to the present quality of our workforce. we appreciate the willingness of our workers understand the sacrifices they make to provide a better life for their family much like we do. we support a straightforward commonsense program that protects our workers without burying us under a mountain of policies to help my testimony today has provoked a sense of urgency print the situation is playing out in families all across our country. i ask you assess the ramifications of the loss of

food production from within our borders. food grown and raised domestically is safer, has a higher quality and is most importantly a matter of national security. we are so close to losing the american farms. please help us pay the weight forward remover obstacles and lead our country into a renewed awareness that without food, nothing else matters. thank you for holding today's hearing as we please answer any questions you may have. >> am incredibly proud to reps in the chilly capitol of the world's present at the new mexico chili association and share my perspective on the agricultural economy print thank you chairman boozman, ranking member klobuchar and members of the committee. immigration is a hot debate in america right now. agriculture labor is closely tied to it but it's nice to be noticed but the circumstances are less than favorable.

as you know most produced his ham hand harvested as such need for the human touch and the hard work comes with it to plant, grow and harvest our products. as our economy is developed far less people pursue work on the far more reliant on the program to shore up the gap in agricultural employment. unlike large acreage crops like corn or cotton we do not have reliable automation and mechanization options for produce. consumers demand perfect peppers at the grocery store with no blemishes and any sleights there of. the new mexico chili association spent a lot of time trying to develop automation solutions for our industry with the help of usda. this work needs to continue and expand until we solve the riddle for chilis as well as other vegetable crops. while this committee does not have jurisdiction over immigration, doing to share a few words on this topic virtually h to a program as we

know is broken and it needs to be fixed. the program is expensive, loaded with numerous costs and paperwork involved and is at times at best. second when you have a functioning and fair immigration system. i've seen many leaders in my rural community you came to this country long ago and enriched it. there is a middle ground that is my hope this committee can use its influence to elevate the need for ag labor reform. trade and tariffs are burning issue. our growers have seen this issue close up for years. currently we domestic red chili production the southwest is down by 50% across the board since 2018. largely due to foreign paprika being shipped to intermediaries, repackaged as intermediate paprika and shipped to the u.s. with the landed cost -- 15% below the cost of domestic growers on farm price. let alone the cost of dehydration and packaging.

i already talked about the need to have federal funding that helps fuel innovation and automation. but i want to highlight three additional ale areas necessity improvement in the farmville. first the specialty crop block grant is incredibly valuable software grow or gain access to marketing materials, increase consumer education. as senator lujan knows we have a wonderful certified program so there not confuse with imports often gaining our growers a premium. second, the availability of water specially doesn't producing regions is becoming less consistent and reliable it's critically important that conversation programs be bolstered to help growers use the federal matching money to switch to more efficient irrigation systems. finally, specialty crops have a less support, higher risk an unfortunate week at risk mitigation system to rely on then our friends in row crops. right now our industry relies on outdated crop insurance program

that usda help set up in the 1980s. we need to correct this immediately to help ensure our farms survival. in closing, due to the efforts of the farm belt and the legislative history of this body, we have created food policy program that is helped a shrug off wars, would be famines, economically trying times, set the standard at which the modern agricultural model in the world was created. i implore this congress to set aside partisan differences to make sure farmers have the support to continue provisions for enough food to eat and enough food to make sure our next-door neighbor do not go without. thank you again for the opportunity i look forward your questions. >> thank you. mr. erickson, the trade abounds of the produce is disappointing.

and the primary contributor to the growing trade deficit across all of agriculture. what should this committee be thinking about as we work together to evaluate this concern? >> thank you for the question mr. chairman. this should be in the information that was submitted to you. this is the trade balance from 1980 -- 2022. you do not have to be up close to see it's a pretty vicious picture. this is not fair trade for the specialty crop producing industry. when he controls on the cost of our labor. when i'm paying 23-dollar per man hour and mexico can grow the same crop they are paying $18 per day per person. that gap is insurmountable.

so, we need common sense solutions help control the cost of our labor. secondly, water in the case of texas our water situation is threatening our very existence but with far about 6000 acres of fruits and vegetables. we grow over 40 different commodities. we cannot farm because we did not have water for. because of that we had to relocate some of our production to outside growers and other regions. for those of you here who use the program, shifting your people around we have not put a location on a petition but we are making adjustments on the fly is very difficult. at $23 per our our cost per person moving people around from farm to farm is impossible.

we need to have them centrally located. controls on cost program. support and pressing mexico to make regular water payments for us. support in the farmville completed. finding ways to invest in the mechanization finding ways to stop regulatory overreach. i talk about the epa basically from one day to the next pulley and port herbicide b is in her onion production has been in use for 50 years and essentially from one day to the next it was pulled away with no options, no input, no alternatives. our foreign competitors are not under that regulatory pressure for those who be some areas i would point to that this committee could focus on. >> very good, thank you. mrs. rhinewalt can you talk more

about how the changes to the h2 hto a program of the past severl years have affected your day today and having a voice for agriculture leading the department of labor would mean for the specialty crop industry? >> thank you for the question, senator. date today we are trying to keep our heads above water and responsible wage rate is taking for our farm additional $70000 annually offer bottom line. we have cut what we can to compensate but we recognize another increase will be devastating. to your point about having a voice for agriculture we are very optimistic about president trump's nominee. she seems to be a friend of farmers and advocate for reform. recently she was a member of the house ag working group that drafted a reform has bipartisan

support. so we hope she is confirmed she will help us push reform in this new policy of the finish line. >> very good. the challenges faced by many especially crop producers in finding adequate tools to manage their risk. what are some ways we can strengthen insurance options for specialty crop growers? >> think for the question. the geographic distribution of crops. the lack of concentration. i note for mrs. rhinewalt there's a lot of sweet potatoes grown in her area that is insurable crop. for us, with our operation peaches are one of the crops we grow and it's available three of the 120 counties in kentucky. just because of the lack of

historic production. so, as we look at that one option we have is to ensure crops with written agreements. unfortunately is a relatively high proof in terms of the disposition of those crops. the way they are sold. for markets like ours is held directly to consumer is difficult to produce that records with the point of sale system to backup and document where the fruits went when they were sold. unlike if we have tickets for a wholesale purchase we deal with the direct consumer transaction is much more difficult to backup improve those. so, i think there is potential in whole farm. micro farm has its places where it fits. i do not think it is the answer for everything.

one of my biggest challenges with whole farm is the timing of it. obviously when the losses are paid based on tax returns losses are not paid until taxes are filed. if for example for me of had a loss and strawberry production that happens in may it might be a full year from now before i would be able to collect an indemnity payment for that. so that is one of the challenges. i would encourage further looks at revenue -based products that can be based on firm records and some of the tax returns. that could reduce the burden of a recordkeeping for producers rs that's one of the most intimidating things about whole farm is the record-keeping burden that comes along with this. i had a couple good conversations. one last night about their operation help their hoping to work for them i had a conversation with an apple grower in michigan a couple weeks ago is musing whole farm is very pleased with how works for his operation he is primarily a wholesale seller of

his crop. that's a little different situation. i think anything we talk about crop insurance we have to talk about all of the pieces with the industry we talked about the three legates school we have to remember all of the layers and make sure it's a good fit for everyone. we have not have an inflation to the aip for nearly 10 years. that is something that would help our industry as a whole. something else that would bear consideration is specialty crops. with the main commodity crops. they are subject to the reduction in payments.

we have seen that in our agency in barley, tobacco, our revenue from our tobacco policies had been reduced by 40% because of the factor on corn and soybeans. it works perfectly for those crops. we are not aligned we insert value premiums and makes it difficult for agencies that focus on those extra crops. very good, senator klobuchar. they have received a partial payment. this includes crops in minnesota

but were pushing for the department to make on the promise that was made but what response he got from specialty crop growers in your state regarding this program from the usda? >> thank you for the question but we've seen tremendous interest for the program. especially crop growers in michigan. i don't fsa office has quite a bit of interest. there's been applications going for that program my understanding is around half of the monies going up to specialty crop producers. it's an important line for diversifying access. the ability to move product in different areas. you mentioned some of the challenges are international pressures coming in. we see that to a variety of specialty crops in michigan. similar to what we see across the country here. expanding out the domestic markets is really critical. strengthen some of the linkages. michigan farmers grow food.

>> research is really important for that something we do big time at the university of minnesota, soil health and those kind of things is awful important. >> absolutely yes. >> risk management tool? again mr. etcheverry was noting the crop insurance have not been updated since the 1980s. that's when cabbage patch dolls were popular, walkman's were the rage and i think senator smith and i may remember the soaring little bowties with their suits. you sing it might be time to update things since then? certainly timely. [laughter] looks good. mr. erickson could you talk about specialty crops growers can benefit when more families are able to afford fruits and vegetables? >> thank you for the question senator. we wrote medicine.

fruits and vegetables are mother nature's medicine. so, anything and everything we can be doing to encourage increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables i think is critical. our nation is facing a health crisis. we should be investing in and supporting programs that encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables. on the other side there's a lot of work that needs to be done that ensure those of us sitting here and are producers can remain in business and stay in business. it requires the need to be profitable to run our farms and operations. but investing in school nutrition programs and a wic programs and encouraging and requiring the consumption of

fresh fruits and vegetables is critical. >> thank you. mr. mr. etcheverry i cannot help being drawn to your chili peppers on what's going on in new mexico. could you talk about the specialty crop block grants how important it is and how that is help the industry? and what it means beyond even the growers, the restaurants and tourism and things like that for your state. >> it is critical for us. as we are a super specialty crop that we have a very local following. >> is that a term of law? >> fanatic. [laughter] it has allowed us to penetrate other markets in other states. educate our consumers on how to prepare our peppers and enjoy them as well. >> thank you. i will yield the rest of my time by, thanks. senator hyde smith. >> thank you, mr. chairman.

he certainly appreciate the opportunity that you've called this meeting. want to thank all of our witnesses today. this is incredibly important for our country. your part today is very, very helpful. my question is for mrs. rhinewalt of mississippi. a few weeks ago we heard from the rope crop folks and producers in our state the outlook is very, very glam. it goes without saying farming is heading in a very dark direction. and i know you guys had this thespecialty crop side of things but your family happened happens to be involved in both with the row crops and a 2000 operation include sweet potatoes as well. would you just generally described for the committee what your challenges are in your various hardships from your family operations facing from the high cost of input, to the red tape, the regulations, can you just share with us you were

greatest challenges? cocksure, thank you, senator. we have grow crops for crop rotation with sweet potatoes. but, unfortunately at higher margins we do experience on the specialty crop side are pretty much diminished on the row crops are due to high equipment cost primarily. and then also historically low crop prices we are experiencing right now. of particular note would be critically outdated reference prices. so the farm safety net is not triggering quickly as it should to provide the relief we need for people who use row crop farming as a supplement. but most especially those whose whole livelihood is dependent on them. >> the update again is so critically important. and, in your testimony you refer to h2 a temporary agricultural workers that are so important.

my take away this critical is important help american farmers fill employment gaps that other people do not, they are unwilling to do that type of work. it is terribly expensive in recent years. and riddled with red tape, as we well know. could you again shed some light on the challenges you face with h2 a workers, the programs but most of all how we need to improve it? >> yes senator, thank you for that opportunity. outside of 3000 papers of regulation we are struggling to keep up with, we really need reform in the areas as i stated before. that rate and our state is currently $14.83 which is 31% higher than it was five years ago. but, in particular that rate does not consider the housing costs that we have to pay for the transportation and administrative expense. so, typically that can bring the

rate we are actually paying i was a conservative estimate will be four -- five additional more dollars per hour that we are paying at 1483 is now leading into 20 for the cost of living in our state is quite expensive. we also need a path to year-round labor so we do not experience gaps in production. a lot of farms like us we are a grower and a packer. the planting and harvest seasons has been critical. but, since her long-term domestic workforce or compact houses dwindled there's not a new generation coming on. a lot of people in our shoes, or able to patch it together or whole families on the pack line working trying to get through the eight weeks until h2 a workers return. but i have friends have to shut down their pack lines completely because they do not have enough help to keep it going. that really exposes them with their customer base their customers could move on to somebody else. they need to fill in that gap there.

that's probably about it. >> if we do not have these changes and these suggestions this entire panel is making, can you look five years out and tell me how you perceive your operation if this committee and this congress does not do something immediately? >> if we do not make the changes, i don't think it will take five years for us to get the answer to that question. to be far less. certainly if we can take on this trajectory we are currently on n will take far less in five years to put a vast majority of specially crop producers out of business. they cannot afford-that increase in labor wage rates in particular we are having to eat all of that pay for many of us depending upon what your specialty crop is our markets will not bear if i keep passing on that customer customers. >> i am at a time pre-thank you, mr. chairman. >> hundred bennett for. >> thank you, mr. chairman, thank you for holding the

hearing. i want to think that ranking member of her mention of the workforce issues here. i'm glad they're coming up everywhere. mr. etcheverry am going to come to question with you but i will say you strike me as an honest man. i know there are a lot of people from new mexico and your family watching you today. not going to ask you about that virtue of the pueblo chili today at. [laughter] >> think i'd appreciate it. >> we can talk about it later. every single one of these, in fact anna said the future of the american farmer is at stake. i agree with that. when i transport myself back to another time, not that long ago in american history, just about 10 years ago we had an agreement that gang of eight bill on immigration that had tens and tens and tens of billions of dollars of border security think is like 70 billion in current dollars. it has a pathway to citizenship

for the 11 million people that are here, that are undocumented. and at agriculture provisions that i negotiated with senator rubio and senator hatch. and with senator feinstein two of those people passed from this earth. but, the agriculture provisions of that built were supported by the growers all over america. and were supported by the farmworkers which is how it should be. because of what mr. erickson said. the importance of the food growing to the lifeblood of our nation. the growers on the farmworkers are doing something that most of us would never be able to do. that most of us could never do. they are an essential part of not just our economy, culture and who we are as the american people it is a reminder in my opinion how impoverished our discussion on immigration has become in this country.

books not because we should not secure the border. i am for that. adverse wage issues agreed to the farmworkers and also by homeless so the growers in america is known by all of the growers of america sue and i would say is that we need your help, before we lose american agriculture, before believes you know farms and ranches that are just going to move the places where they can finally coming to deal and do we used to do here and are endangered not being able to do anymore i wonder, anl that context, i apologize for

the long-winded but i do think it's important to recognize that that was a time when a politics or not is broken as it is this issue and i guess also there a reminder that this economy especially our rural farm economy, and support immigration and are having functional immigration system in this country and can you talk a little bit about how things got more dire in the last few years on the subject and that if there's anybody else who would like to come back to my happy to take that as well. >> is become more dire with all of the comments from this board and we see higher interest rates and lower from her wages when my growers the map on his take-home he makes $3 an hour pretty and this is hard and it's really hard workers close to the border

going to be good works to pay their taxes and they go to raise their families pretty. >> i remember jeff as part of that negotiation as well any learned this on his families farm and ranch in arizona and he went cad anything else. >> little bit farther north than him so i don't have a whole lot of experience we transition directly from investing workforce into the program. >> we need for cure and folks getting from a little tremendous number right now with never even have access to this program because their operation and we have different segments of our operation and some are seasonal their easy to enter into bha program quickly because our operations are specifically year-round and no they've not

anything are suffering with health workforce not been able to take it manage this program at all. sue and thank you for that most is to determine ranking member is somebody in the spindle said already, that this is not jurisdiction of this committee that is true but i think that republicans and tear can provide leadership to the rest of the senate in terms of bringing these proposals forward volunteer my services in your efforts to do that. >> thank you mr. chairman to thank you for you being here today all of you, and are agriculture economy is a disaster, completed disaster you know and if you do not do something, and i don't know how it will work, were not going to have an agriculture committee if you're a few years and we must hundred 50000 farms last few years pretty 150,000 farms printed if that's not disaster,

i don't know what is. we do not help the regulations or overboard labors out of sight no water and i don't know what we've done right appear does not sound like a whole lot but was the ideal rate if we were to revert back to labor costs, what would be the ideal rate that we would hate to make a profit? >> thank you and we actually have the discussion yesterday. talk about wages based on hundred 15 percent of the state minimum wage rate but we know was a 725 informed about suggesting that we pay the low pretty so we do and have some consideration apartment formulation for the wage rate that takes into account that 1483 what we need to consider to cost administrative cost of the

housing because and maybe the prorate that in consideration of those factors because it's a fallacy to say that because we pay 1483, the subtly the weight we pick him is really more like $21. >> exactly $23 now from you've got to be kidding me and how you make it enemy what would be your cost to make a profit. >> will and wish it wasn't great that it is and to ms. reinhardt's comments, the cost in applying for the program and transporting the laborers from their home country coming to the united states with a well working transport them with them in housing, hotels, transfer them from the hotel to the job site catering services, we provide food community did take them to the doctors appointments and such.

i don't know how you rollback you know in texas, the will i believe is $15.97 an hour and rachel cost is about $23 per hour and when you have an income i don't know what the number is and we definitely need to put a cap on the increases that have occurred in hilly do we deal with and unfortunately in the case of little bit of produce senator was still here we recently shut down we had an onion hacking facility in new mexico that was an important part of our operation had about 15 full-time people we broaden 20 — 30 seasonal people had onions and chilis pumpkins watermelons up there we had recently shut out facility because part because the water thing with health mexico using a

water to grow our crops then we have to purchase those products. it is a crazy situation for us to be a and is a business, they to make the decision we have to sit down with each one of these people working for us for 12 or even 15 years to sit down and tell them you know we have to let you go unfortunately. going to work with you to try to transition you to another job but you know what the craziest thing was those folks been talking to them, they were so thankful for the opportunity they had during the 12 or 15 years working for something full for that but if we don't get these costs under control, for u.s. producers, were going to continue to hand over the production these fruits and vegetables would be over and could we do without an age to a program.

>> no, we would be completely out of business. >> what what about the domestic workers are living affected by these programs. >> domestic workforce is never going to be the remedy for agriculture production in the states put their response to the job so 97 percent of jobs made open when were required to do before we can bring h2 a out of r farms will be heavy to bear on citizens reasonable age and save all those oxen rolled excellently cost but they want that job. >> thank you good luck hope we get out of your way because that's what we are going to have to do in thank you sue thank you very much for this hearing welcome to all of her panel so what a particularly give up to lori john from minnesota for your work in mr. chair to have

minnesota the endsley national national turkey and pork and i think that it's is a tribute due to the that we have minnesota so want to welcome you both here they also just want to associate myself with the comments that senator bennett made in the great insight from our panel issues around farm labor reforms which i think that it so importt for us all to hear number for sitting appear to say that some a two to do something about the problems we really needing to put in cider partisan differences in figure it out and i am a proud senator of minnesota was born in new mexico and so for me, chilly is not especially crappy said necessary crop and i really appreciate also be found as that we had a real importance for bipartisan management tools that work, for

especially farmers appreciate your question on this sooner bozeman and others we keep hearing anything we don't pay enough attention to how crop insurance just does not work like it should many farmers especially for small farmers especially farmers and no firm revenue protection option was designed to fill some of the gaps shortcoming so i've been working on some legislation to address these shortcomings many of the challenges that big touring to work on so i would like to continue this contestation to get feedback from all of you that i just like see that we are part of the work we do in the upcoming farmville. and i would like to tutor into the record a letter from minnesota farmers union and opposing staffing cuts helical and regional usda offenses. >> without objection. >> this letter said in a program that we want usda effective responsive and accountable to

the farmers and communities that they serve and this requires the backing of stable funding i bet you all see this in your states we see it minnesota county local offenses help farmers and so many different ways managing disease outbreak safety and programs departments with farmers sand dealing with all of the challenges that you've been describing despite the critical many of these positions of offices have been eliminated over the last few weeks and just yesterday i was hearing from minnesota about low phone usda employees who are almost through their probationary period to replace soon be retiring fsa staff only to get fired after all of that training in the worried and of course this was going to retire anyway new privation replace work 40 filling the spots up pretty and you have to remember that these fsa employees are often farmers

themselves who are turning to find extra farming is because of the challenges you have laid out so i wanted to talk a minute about these importance of this regional locals have been going to ask you about the firing these employees and local offices are having farmers what it means that they are just not there right question point and director in michigan about fifth as they are know firsthand of the dedicated certainly midwest in michigan employees forming partnerships working closely providing that so little bit about today some of the challenges of these programs. a lot of these services for the growers for complicated and there's a lot of nuance to the programs staff have the growers navigate their partners. >> the partners and i think is true in so many so much of the

work that we are working to foster in agriculture. through the crop insurance agents that the partners with farmers out there is true about how we are advancing conservation practices in implementing different land management from inches partnerships probably here it's really essential to working farmers and to think stronger more resilient farmers. >> please try to hear so for minnesota farmers that about how they were like fsa advice and develop long-term relationships with folks point out that window firings touring of the way for bipartisan way to try to address some of the staffing shortages that we have seen in fsa and yet with the administration is doing right now, guess absolutely counter to i think but as the shared bipartisan goal here and so i hope that we can find a solution that will make sure that the farmers the support they need from fsa and other regional offices in thank you

mr. chair. >> thank you senator smith and senator justice. >> thank you mr. chairman. we say this, i don't have a script to go by. i'm the new kid in the block in both ways pretty but i promise you that i really think should listen to what i have to say. in many would say what should we do, what should we do and there's a solution all of his my dad set up a long time ago and i can use the slang that he would use, he would say, son, i don't know exactly what we should do, but this we would not say that he would say this whatever, surely ain't it.

and i would tell you all just exactly just this and i really appreciate this coming today and the testimony that i really appreciate our chairman and ranking member that we had the real deal chairman. we can really make a difference. let me just take you through some level, the small family farm in america today and the average size is 430 acres i just think about just for a second, they're hurting in an anyway imaginable and a bigger awaken real quickly to a couple of things. we going to the grocery stores as far as you can see, a mile-long there's every choice imaginable we pay almost nothing ever annual incomes compared to countries all across this globe of electric like you can imagine we have in america that's all there is to it may have the

luxury because that these people because of many of you that are sitting out here right now and absolutely when comes right down to either family farms in this country do something that defies all financial reasonable best that is all there is to it me walk you through a little bit of math and if you had 500 acres today in champaign illinois, is probably worth greater than $15000 an acre. and with all that being said if you just do the math real quick, that is seven and a half million dollars and if that farmer and half a million dollars in the bay, he had $8 million worth of work and really and truly what he was is that he goes out and all out on the table every year and he said i am all in. when he got it to rain and absolutely that farmer probably is living off of 28000 or $42000

a year when to be sold his land tomorrow, he could absolutely go to goldman sachs they would bring him every turn the probably 350,000 a year. but he doesn't do it. he doesn't do it for all of us for every last one of us he doesn't to do it the reason he doesn't do is because he loves what he is doing. we better love him. that is all there is to it because at the end of the day, we know love him enough, were going to be in real trouble. and what happens, what happens tomorrow the big giant corporation exxon whenever it may be, they'll get together and they decide well i'll tell you what we do, the sky will continue to farm he's not going to continue to do what he does. so he decides that he wants to go to the bahamas and hang out and absolutely have somebody sent pam an annual income of

three new $50000 incentive is $28000 driving a 12 -year-old pickup truck. when we do if we lose him. and absolutely whatever it may be, interest exxon or whatever, if they decide to send a clear blue sky, the they're going to do is they'll plant one crop and they will say price of cornice $150 a bushel if you don't want it, we won't plant it anymore read and what happens, we have a meltdown interfered industry and we have a meltdown in a crisis in this country like you can't imagine that we so much to those people. it's a great friend were both coaches in our own way. with all of that being said, absolutely promise you, i promise you to god above we have to fix this and we need to fix this right now. we have to fix crop insurance and we have been have a farm deal that is a true bill

basically probably is regionalized instead of it one-size-fits-all, it is not filled out, that's all there is to it. many specialty crops and i salute you for what you do and it is a high risk business pretty you're fighting everything from regulations to labor and on and on and on and we all are. we need to wake up. absolutely we do not wake up right now about and we awaken to those farmers leaving the farm for whatever reason it may be coming his going to be a bad day in america mr. chairman, i salute you in every way absolutely i think all of you all that involved in agriculture especially this committee and think you so much for your testimony and everything and so god bless america in every way we need to fix and we better fix it now were going to be a heck of a mess and think he also much. >> think you and again very well

said. >> senator barbara. >> mr. chairman forgive me for my language but i just want to say, how is not a coach as a player in the once pac-10 that was normal but if you were the coach you talk with document immune reason ready to play in a way to be with this because this panel i'm sitting there listening and nobility of what you all stand for come up with you all do in the unnecessary that you have to deal with that undermines your ability to do what is the greatest profession, founded this nation which is a farm and feed communities, is evident and we have to fix the stuff there commonsense ways been talking about for a long time agriculture fourth biggest industry my state and we were so cold specialty crop state is one-size-fits-all does not work. it really does not work. we are and nation 93 percent of

our agriculture subsidies on the commodity crops and does not support socially crops nor do we do commonsense thanks and limiting relations and supporting labor to help about it so this is really really to be exciting to hear and is not a threat, to complement. chris worked together i just want to take my few moments of you know my will work on these issues that i will champion them but i want to say that only farmers in new jersey and across the country are struggling now with the median prices which is illegal funding is been imposed upon thousands of usda contracts and getting calls and e-mails from farmers all across my state from all different political perspectives that are just saying, why are we investing money on farms for things like crops or installing irrigation

systems been others farmers are now receiving the reimbursement la cash there now in a crisis and for many farmers, this is tens of thousands of even hundreds of thousands of dollars that the usda stiffing them on and for someone these farmers they say they're unable to move forward with their spring planting and ultimately risk for losing their farms, and forclosure, because of the u.s. he is doing to them and it will be catastrophic these reimbursement payments that sign contracts with farmers have been frozen, this is wrong usda has also frozen the reimbursement to nonprofits who provide critical assistance to the farmers in new jersey we have nonprofits of small businesses to give this kind of technical assistance they'll soaring prices. there also groups that implement conservation practices that we supported bipartisan like in their groups will be the first there are prices all of these

nonprofits have signed contracts of the usda to provide the services if later money and they rely upon them another meetings he's my language, screwed. this is wrong. and it is hurting people a self-inflicted movement that has to stop. it is killing me that we are now seeing people in my state farmers are laying off staff that they're not getting the help they deserve they're not doing their innovations to help them be better stores and stores olympics they know how these a lot of these conservation programs have been so over was outrageous and illegal little horse have been instructed the administration to let these fans across the freezes but the usda's ignoring quarters and potentially causing serious harm to the country on top of all of that, the locally still farmers

rely upon who will be helping the farmers to navigate this crisis. i know senator johnson about it for secretary need help. usda is not the funding for the farmers. i hope this committee will quickly bring her back your drinks windows why and every day that we wait, already forming christ as the country were already sing thousands of innovative. this is outrageous time that we have other issues we should be dealing with right now dealing with this crisis i just want to say one more thing on them subject because i don't know going to be here for the next battle but i know prof 12 we brought up and i just want to say my piece the ten or 20 seconds and concerned that there are no winners here today to speak for the independent family farmers who support prop 12 and a national pork producers council does not represent all of the farmers the country and i speak with the big producers in

the me aligning with the biggest multinational corporations they do not represent the small right of it farmers and in fact of the large group of those independent farmers filed a brief with the supreme court for prop 12 prop 12 help them by creating new markets for the products allowing them to better compete with the big vertically integrated of meatpackers like smithville about 4 inches but his grief and his spring court decision, prop 12 the justice cited directly these independent farmers, farmers in a country can i would like to ask you consent to enter to the grief these independent family farmers. >> without objection. >> if you want to know where i will stand, it is for small midsize independent family farmers and you started your statement by by the average farmer in our country but these entrepreneurs sent these folks have been devastated in the last decade are losing thousands of farmers is that within from the

midwest to run my state is a crisis be made worse by now but the usda and hoping that we can work together to solve some of these problems and thank you mr. >> senator welch. >> beekeeper not. >> i hope the committee i really appreciate your remarks and i think we all feel the same way in the farmers the lifeblood of our local communities in rural communities nobody works harder in the combiners from west virginia for the right up there the farmers nicole myers and i am shocked that is been agreements made farmers in vermont the ira made an agreement in response that agreement was money to do the work promise to do no mighty solar it might be protections

and no have an e-mail to federal government most of them you know and so like the promise made is a promise kept right and this is like impossible for the folks who do this for me to imagine that you have an agreement violated some i hope mr. chairman is the committee would weigh in here and insist that these deals that have been signed and where farmers now but the many out work in her getting stepped really strongly object on the administration to reverse that it is some questions about specialty crops and we have so much reform program commodities included that the specialty his name because like everything will and everything fresh and nutritious my view we need more no less of the specialty crops monomer specialty farmers really

hurts but the funds we had in july 23 in july 24 new crop insurance program really needs to be improved. no maple syrup is one which i like to talk about. and was senator have endorsed that sponsored introduce the supporting producers the staff fact that and with it does is helps the sustainability the programs another bill we've introduced it together making agricultural products locally essential. when asked you we talked a lot about maple syrup the climate related disturbances are not unique to maple is affecting all kinds of crops. in my question is what can we do to provide specialty crop

growers to support their need to ensure the continuation of the family farms with all of the changes in the weather. >> well, i think that is an excellent question and certainly enjoyed maple syrup in michigan as well. coming to the season for that and looking forward and then i think we need more certainty for the special crop growers think so much of the questions issues were talking about today comes down to providing more certainty for the producers. in some ways, better evaluating the facts of these quotes are only with farms for the rural economy in the communities and we touched upon the points around revisions to crop insurance certainly we need better management tools so that we can deal with increasingly extreme and erratic weather and i think there's promise about looking at broad conservation practices.

>> i mean, i think that we have to have more emphasis on the because the real opportunity is local nutritious the people and communities really supported is entry point person ever farmers that do not have as many financial carriers prayed and just as an example mr. chairman usda is a specialty crop block plant program and received three to $34000 with us a lot of money in the scheme of things but it did a lot in vermont with a $56000 grant, when usda incipient in vermont was able to expand the market opportunities for 50 local farmers along this like the farm stand type of situation. and this is tiny compared to 6.3 billion that we spent on the commodity graham and supported you but the specialty is really important as well and so tell me

how the federal funding freeze affected our specialty crop growers to increase in search this week's question about this risk going to be in the future and reliability texas markets harvested later this fall and there's and certainly the research there working on this and so in essence. >> i. >> thank you. >> thank you and as i begin i would like to ask that the testimony from jean bock that one out foods cemented into the record. >> without objection. >> thank you so much his 14th generation founder and president chilly association and leader new mexico's food and agriculture industry, another strength of our country and our

agriculture industry and i believe diversity. that's a word that i use a lot and it is a good word that talks about her crops the diversity of crops is good success in that you describe with the varieties diversity have crops that we prosper connect with more folks with others domestically or internationally and i applaud you for that as well and the diversity of our growers the pricing race and make us stronger as we needed more producers in america nephew are and more generations can't break the generation of fourth-generation family health 11 today to find that i still call home and willing it be family for generations after but the power find more farmers encouraging other generations to get involved as they involve is so critically important, swinging many times this committee about how the fargo can she do more to support the

diverse farms across our great country forward to working on some bipartisan initiatives were provide support from a farmer and you there's a lot of programs out there that provide support to the farmers but if you're a farmer near giving your time with another farmer teaches them how to farm qualify for usta programs, you get compensated a penny on the generosity of your heart because you care about the industry when will there should be a support program for that so that we can tap into the genius of the existing farmers and producers across country learn from them how to best to do what you do look forward to continuing this work has a second bipartisan. and you mentioned crop insurance the new mexico your desire to see that expand what challenges dc specialty crop growers facing the linking of risk management tools currently available to them. >> was sure bureaucracy and we were we want the insurance there's minimal insurance to meet us usta to build to get

more insurance basically told okay, go click the data yourself and then will take a look at the data you have. >> will world working full-time jobs the average on time on front time for growers 18 hours a day and for him to stop and do the job that usta should do, it's hard enough. >> i appreciate that mr. chairman as i have learned from smaller producers across the country, there are offerings on paper but they don't work once folks try to get them to use them but i often compare it to when we talk about water rights in the west, we like wet water, we don't just like one run paper and everybody chuckling here because you know what i'm talking about is the same space or just try to get a piece of paper the city brought by the policy and has to work for the folks forward to working with you and that. i'm ranking member and so now i want to do maybe get something from you the official records of that you thought put into this

specifically, wishing progress due to expand risk management programs for specialty crop growers and i did vital of you to help us understand how that cut through that bureaucracy as well make sure the policy is actually applicable to it you doing on the ground and helping folks is a farmer from adjutant testified too long ago and he taught me that you learn had a form usta. i said what you mean by that they said if i do not form usda i do not get access to these programs i have to change the way of us planting and change the way that was going after program that stuck with me for years at a time because it should not be the case pretty you are there to produce food. to nurture that land make sure that your selling those crops. you need to be going to these steps so i hope that we can get that better as well chairman i have slew of other questions but i plan on it on my own so i'm just going to submit them into

the record each and every one of you and i can't thank you enough for taking time to travel from home to come out here in this truly because you're the best of a lot of important decisions that are taking place as we speak that means a lot to the people by publisher here and hope that the rest of the country falls in love with chile is much as we do so thank you again. >> thank you very much for being here we appreciate it and let's swap panels real quick. i get think you also mentioned your testimonies were very very helpful. >> really good. >> and going to go to new mexico and trent chile and that's my plan to we want that wuhan chile. background sounds background sounds

>> okay if everybody wants to sit down so that we can get started. thank you chairman bozeman i had to go out so he's giving me the gavel so who knows what will happen but i am pleased to introduce the second panel. and we could all sit down, think you. there we go read nevers panel could not have gotten better you see we have a lot of interested members and a lot of bipartisan support for a lot of the ideas we are talking about is our second panel, chris volk we have mr. ben felton he served as

president of the american chief industry association, fifth-generation sheep rancher for montana and his family is been involved in sheep industry for 140 years and he also this president is county farm bureau is getting state committee and chairman of the local school board. i look forward to hearing about your perspective on the sheep industry. also joined five mr. — thank you very much. and i know that sarah fisher wanted to be here to welcome you and she said great things about you but it will introduce you for now as you are from waterloo nebraska is the right hand we serve as president of the national cattle and sheep association i think center fisher is a little bit about cattle. mr. where my brings over 45 years of experience from the cattle sector across texas and

nebraska and is served in various leadership in the beef industry and thank you for being here today. it's an important industry my state as well we are also joined by mr. harold and senator welch is here to introduce him. and thank you very much. >> and he is here from the derry capitol from sheldon vermont and we are glad to happening and have him harold and his wife elementary teacher and in the sixth generation family farms six generation and grandkids are there right now doing the work while we are here in the children five grandchildren, and his business with his brothers lawrence and michael and then te sons and three nephews and their families, and they have four dairies, 350 cows on each.

and i started on my political career the agriculture committee in the state of vermont in 1981 in your uncle harold, was my boss on the agriculture committee and at one time give the highest compliment any send you are a dairy guy and so i'm delighted to have you here representing vermont dairy, he was just so wonderful. going to see a great farmer and thank you. >> very exciting and thank you coming now minnesota is the top turkey producing state in the nation and i don't know if you knew that. yes. as well as the second top pork producer in the u.s. and were fortunate to have two outstanding minnesota witnesses consider smith and i are welcome both of you first of all lori from easton minnesota and lori currently serves as the

president of the national poor producers council executive board and she is a customer success manager for all u.s. pork business and having spinner time and sales and marketing any animal nutrition business pretty for over 30 years i've been seared the minnesota state fair. at the pork booth in there with our wink wink cats and i know you also want to wear one of those. [laughter] can lori is a graduate of the university of minnesota with bachelor's degree in animal science. john zimmerman is also with us and john is the chairman of the national turkey federation and he is a 35 year veteran of the turkey industry and a proud second-generation farmer also raises corn and soybeans gives him a unique view of all of this being diversified that way. any does that on his family farm with his wife karen and son

grant. and i've known john for several years and remember just the emotion of so many of you and your producers during that time. i know you're going to provide incredibly valuable perspective to this committee today. we also have with us, tony mizner, from any get on behalf of the united agriculture producer and mr. served as ceo of the second largest agriculture producer in the nation he served in various roles with a farms over the past 30 years and given everything that i think that's going on, there's a lot of discussion about eggs right now and what is happening with avian flu prices and really look forward to your testimony on the challenges that are a producers currently face and thank you for being here today. thank you for being here today mr. wegner and so now were going

to start with you been i think you very much for being here. >> thank you very much chairman bozeman ranking senators thank you for inviting me today my fellow she ranchers in the entire industry appreciate the opportunity to share federal priorities are built specifically 2025 in the general will be key for the survival of our industry given the impact from federal regulation and taxes and federal programs and trade on my fellow producers. and now the oldest livestock trade association in the country, we are a key component to american future enter the land we cherish and protected for generations, to the uniforms worn part by american warriors in the high quality of american land and the fellow americans for centuries we are proud. thank you bees the market stories you producers are dealing with recondite input costs flood markets and also

landmark has stagnant for the past year the objects quickly give them a of the australia new zealand lambs in effect 2024 soft forces of this important respect one third over 2023 as i producers are looking for solution to help her the influx of those important lamps seem to continuing flow in the markets thanks to the chairman encouragement last year from usda mismanagement agency issued a report assessing risk management tools currently available to the sheep industry or lack thereof. in the report acknowledges are needed for quality risk management tool but ultimately did not provide recommendations that therefore ask that you direct the secretary to write a recommendations revival sheep specific risk management tools in a large number 2024 did not receive a bid and yet we are now sharing 2025 and the 2019 trade war with china blowup and our

single largest market for american will this loss was told by pandemic the white document for multiple garments and negative and easily seen in her overflowing warehouses. something allowed his with purchasing decisions pretty messy committee to update that will marketing the bull writes that unlike other commodity is been updated since 2002 and we strongly support the 2024 house bill proposal and appreciate your marrying of that effort hand edition mask strokes for entering the ministration was well in any future marquez equalization payments help rectify long-standing trade and free trade only works if it is fair trade. one third of america's sheepherders is under that watch open h2 sheepherder labor costs have skyrocketed over the past eight years salary loan

california second largest sheep producing stages nearly 58000 annually for herder this combined with the mandate we provide the herders with food, or clothing, also covering their application has driven or crossed to an untenable level california is lost nearly 15 percent of the she production of the last two years alone rated arrivals literally that i have modernized sheepherder worker program. and enclose, we support the fmd and mak program so the reauthorization of that life mentoring transporting enhancement of conservation technical assistance tools that about offending for the right thing from our firm bills program. but gsi full support for your efforts to secure a priority request 2025 farmville connection for bill is crucially important to thousands of operations across country and

thank you for your efforts to continue american agriculture uniquely important role fueling fitting clothing the world we are proud to be a part of it and thank you. >> thank you and we've now been joined by center for sure who is offloading out that she wants to save you more words about you probably best name ever for capitol manager that we could happen so go ahead to i think you and to all for being here today and nebraska beef state that's a very happy them here's what us in may of 2023 when chairman bozeman nebraska farmville we were able to visit if you got in directly from him about how the farmville support cattle producers predict any grew up in eastern nebraska farm raising cattle hogs and chicken.

any's manager custom feedlots and nebraska and texas beaufort rentable given that it since 1984 while feeding his own cattle since 1980 and is been active in the beef industry and he served as chairman and treasurer nebraska beef council and served on the beef russian operating committee and he currently serves as president of the national tel aviv association. pain is like been married for years he has three children and seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and how is that possible block and i am very proud to have you here today representing nebraska and look forward to hearing your testimony and thank you for being here. >> thank you. >> chairman bozeman ranking member kobe tarpaulin members of the committee. thank you for inviting me to

testify before you today on the state and until business i'm currently serving his prison the national cattle association notice kellogg the organization represent the cattle producers in america and century-old grassroots policy process, or members eradicate their interest here in the nation's capitol and is on behalf of these families come caps . competing operations as they appear before you today overall please report that the state of the cattle industry is strong storm cattle prices beef demand have make the marketing environment for the cattle better than virtually any time the last five years is worth noting the market improvements have occurred without legislation regulation in the cattle markets what we reason for optimism everybody else agriculture, cattlemen cattle women still face ten challenges

pretty good with input costs that never seem to stop rising enforcement of the rising costs feet if you and will have products and other essentials so pose the greatest threat to producer profitability and we are hopeful congress and to new trump administration swiftly adopted policies which will curb the inflationary pressures deliver critical relief to cattle producers and as you look for ideas on how to publish is over drier tension to issues and significant portion of the input costs result from compliance the arduous federal regulations and whether it hearing to agenda driven species outcome up in national environmental policy act requirements, navigating miles of bureaucratic tape to access programs, the outside impact the federal rules because into producing the crop and what we are grateful for some of the most atrocious proposed

regulations like the biden administration attempts to rewrite the stockyards act, have been abandoned more oversight is needed to ensure similarly rules never finalized pretty most children world and renew die government efficiencies, we are hopeful the common sense will be asserted into the role making process rated producer profitability is always at the forefront the priorities and rightsizing the federal government is the smartest way to begin addressing that issue. when the most effective tools signed up at the dollars back into the pockets of the farmers and ranchers this immensely popular program fire from animal-rights industry i think five boroughs bankroll through this week checkup producers had it does all this with the pooled resources cattle producers country a zero cost to the

taxpayer we checkup see model public partnership they urge congress to reject manager measures aimed at dismantling it at the also source the house and senate to swiftly adopt the farmville have supported and continue to support chairman thompson's bipartisan legislation in your framework mr. chairman there are many other important issues which i do not have time to address my opening statement had direct your attention just 20 more details in closing, mr. chairman, the ready to work alongside this committee and this administration and anyone else to ensure cattle industry remain strong think you for your time and look forward to answering your questions soon thank you very much next up mr. corrigan. >> chairman bozeman, ranking member will be chart, given the opportunity to testify my name

is harold oregon my wife beth and i are six generation family farm. i'm honored to serve on the board to the dairy farmers of america and the producers federation. as a member please to speak today very pedestrian we appreciate all the steps taken towards completing your farmville marriages committee to prioritize passages new five-year bill to provide certainty or industry dairy margin program serve the purpose will during all times since it was implemented six years ago tents consistently purchase the maximum 950 coverage and knowing is meant to be sitting at needed. workers a committee to continue the program an updated production history copulation to reflect more recent on farm production levels pretty think chairman bozeman ranking member

will be chart for support this update. also please usda is finalizing the federal order organization decision we need this committee's help one piece. the dairy industry lacks transparent data and processes because we think the members of this committee for supporting language to require usda connect mandatory processing cost studies every few years. this will give us all better data and up to work with you to get this done. enable talk a few more topics that percent labor reform we continue to face an acute shortage of workers dairy farmers consistently try to hire domestic workers ultimately rely upon every workers to make sure that we can produce milk pretty we strongly urge congress to next long overdue legislation to provide permanent certainly for

current workers families had to open issue a program to dairy failing to act mismanaging the mentality of the sector second trade nearly one fifth of u.s. dairy production exported and the shares only likely to rise. we must seat access so we don't continue to split behind our competitors here's doubling the funding for trade for programs was the presence of american dairy worldwide. we also urge congress trade issues with canada during the u.s. review at their nutrition and dairies nutrition powerhouse with continues to be under consumed by most americans grateful to you center for co-authoring the bipartisan of the kids out to fix the school nutrition problem. i purchased many swiftly pass

this finally u.s. dairy farmers continue to work close to it usda fda and other agencies to safeguard drinkers from employees highly pathogenic avian influenza we appreciate usda for to celebrate vaccine development and they be made available as soon as possible. thank you again the opportunity to testify happy to answer any questions later. >> thank you. >> good afternoon chairman bozeman ranking member club chart members of the committee, lori producer from eastern minnesota president of the national poll producers council prayed every morning when i wake up on the family farm i think about two things, first producing whole nutritious part

while serving my community as i going policies in relation impact families across america much as now but for future generations pretty for several years americans over 60000 for producers face difficult times farmers were ever optimistic about the future, we are merging for multiple years of losing average $30 and production costs have declined in prices have improved many farmers have not yet recovered financially from your first. the industry's history to provide certainty unity to continue farming in american agriculture is a five-year farmville in which four producers have needs at first you must address them problems called by proposition 12 which has increased premise operating costs printed business and certainly raise poor prices at the grocery store parking on california to include farmers in other states and even other countries now, prop device,

since a creative patchwork of differing state regulations congress does not act and from 12 proposed by both president trump and president biden, summing small and medium family farmers the most for follow the processes in place to address these issues we have before you is a supreme court has said that's a matter for congress to take up single messenger would protect animals from reform and diseases by finding the programs for detection prevention rapid response to outbreak and we must promote our experts by putting for the development programs and market access programs. and of the matter is it deserves this committee's attention is five-year reauthorization mandatory reporting program. ...

given our ongoing challenges will be subject to regulations that restrict our ability to buy and sell our animals. for that reason we urge congress and administration to defund withdraw the rules. finally, let me say a few words about international trade. without true to our customers beyond our borders, we see and feel deep substantial losses. international trade provides us with additional $66 without those markets on a wide range of products many of us simply not be able to continue to farm. u.s. pork producers and products in many countries including china and the eu. opening new and expanding existing markets is paramount because many firms to stay afloat. the best way to do this is their

competence of trade agreements, eliminate those tariffs and nontariff barriers. we have a comprehensive agreement than the 80 countries worship. including amino acids and trace minerals only available from china. congress the administration continue to have conversations on the future of our relationship. we are proud of the work we do aperspective on the agricultural economy. they give her the opportunity to testify before you today. >> thank you, mr. zimmerman? >> good morning chairman boozman, ranking member klobuchar members of the community. like to highlight the animal

disease portion i submitted for the record. for more than a year the industry has been negative impact to pipe the pathogenic influenza. as well as a highly consequential respiratory virus which is impacted between 1680%d 80% of turkey phlox nationwide. one or twice in cases of hp a.i. and commercial turkeys led to the loss of more than 6.6 million birds each pai is one 100% lethal to those exposeg enough is more subtle but equally impactful through its ability to significantly reduce the breeder stock that produces the next generation of turkeys severe prolonged mortality for commercial phlox. together these respiratory viruses of exponential improved volatility, supply shortages market uncertainty. one -- two punches because many farmers to quit raising turkeys with several others on the brink of shutting down. banks are concerned about our firm's financial health and some farmers are struggling to gain

credit after 30 -- 50% of their cloths. each pai is a terrible disease. there's no indemnity and no assistance. i urge congress to make a mpv eligible disease of the u.s. g8 livestock indemnity program. this would assist course at mitigating economic loss will go a long way for poultry producers sell the firms producing the most abundant food supply in the world. on a more positive note the first imported a mtb a modified live vaccine doses have reached minnesota farms this month. more on the way to assist farmers nationwide. i want to personally thank the chairman ranking member klobuchar the importation of this much-needed imported modified live vaccine for a mpv. i also had thank you sta for their efforts in getting this across the finish line. however it's important to acknowledge industry incredible frustrations usda process of

imported modified live vaccine. i appreciate the importance of entering the safety of a vaccine in the amp vaccine was the versus kind to ever be approved. however, when entire industries at significant risk it should take a matter of months, not over eight years for widely used well-established global vaccine value usda review process to ensure a faster more efficient response to mpv is only half the battle. time is of the essence a national strategy targeting all potential hosts of influence is lacking. allowing the virus to spread global poultry industry is in crisis. successful vaccination program does not negatively impact trade is part of a stamp out strategy is the key to significantly reducing disease rates. if the u.s. fails to lead global and implementing animal health solutions capable% disease and

death in commercial poultry will be at a significant disadvantage in world trade. empowering usda to increase productivity and engagement and solidify deferment to reduce disease outbreak in pact is essential. in closing as congress writes in a farm bill, urges the renewal robust funding of animal disease programs the establishment hp a.i. strategic initiative to ensure the turkey industry as isthe tools necessary to combat the current and future mental health diseases. i also recognize secretary rawlins announced measures to address hp a.i. and we appreciate the urgent detection. it seems only covering the egg industry. as they taste the turkey industry has been devastated by hp a.i. we ask any plan also would dress the turkey industry. thank you again for the opportunity to testify today i look forward to answering any questions you may have.

>> thank you. correct chairman boozman, ranking member klobuchar members of avian influenza as my's my colleagues in the turkey industry adjusted. since 2015 we've lost 10 million birds to influence a 6 million since generate one of this year. 25% of our current production. there's been what is 62 million poultry since 2022 this and put down for 126 million of those were layered. 792 or backyard phlox. to give you an idea of the normal numbers three and 15 million. 2015 increase in problems with the dairy and it's really not hard to find wildlife in the areas that are positive.

some bio security nightmare and that's really our only method to date to deal with that along with the depopulation. a lot of talk about egg prices, egg farmers today are not price makers, they are price takers they do not get to set the market on eggs. it's like the corn and soybean farmer we take what the price is it's done on supply and demand for demand is extremely high right now. that's different than what we've seen in 2015. my theory on that people are still shopping they're turning back to eggs because it's on a cheaper alternative today. that is why you're seeing the high demand. i also think that weight loss drugs being used in the country today are fueling the protein craze. yet people looking for more protein. another aspect of that is i think the egg shortages bigger shortage is biggerthan we know. there is a researcher at north carolina state was well

respected he would estimate backyard flock in this country the size of 200 million birds or more. remember i told you our commercial flock is 315. i think avian influenza has devastated backyard phlox in this country people really do not know what is wrong with their birds. so i think those people are now the store by eggs also. with the tool of indemnity which helps. i would just ask that we continue to look at it. $1.4 billion worth of indemnity paid out in 22. i would ask we continue to look at that with common sense and fairness. it is a way to have a stopgap measure to keep people in business. finally be done to vaccinations. uap and rosetta firms fully supports vaccination industry. we have to control this disease but we have to do it with offense, not defense which is my opinion what we have done to this point. we know of a farm in colorado

1.5 million birds has went beenpositive three times in thre years. we just got the farm repopulated two geese fell out of the sky within yards of the first house down there just a few weeks ago. this thing is not going to get better. it is going to get worse. know what want to see trade to stop because we start using vaccines are looked up on the charts, if you look at the chicken last of it left this ths country almost 40% of it went to countries also vaccinating. i cannot understand why we cannot get together with those countries and figure this out so we got do not ruin trade. nobody wants to hurt anybody in the poultry sector or an egg. turkey should not be left out of what was done today hope it's an oversight that really needs to be done. until we start taking about this seriously it's a global problem. what is at stake, his food is fd security and protein security.

we have to put people in the room that are smart. i'm not sure vaccine is one 100% the answer. but, i think a big go down that road and start their people will work hard and spend a lot of money to trying to come up with a gun so super oh look for you to be leaders in that. it all starts with all of us and whether were going to fix this or not. thank you. >> thank you. can you tell us more how a disruptive proposition 12 would be in the torque sector and why it's critical to utilize the farm bill to prevent these harmful proposals for moving forward. >> thank you, senator boozman. in my role as a present at the opportunity to talk to producers of all sizes small, medium, large. some are compliant some are not. the concern all of them have is a patchwork of regulation that

if california can put in a set of regulations, another state can do the same thing. that patchwork causes chaos in our business because it's hard to make business decisions. it's hard to make changes not knowing what the next regulation might be. that's why it is important that congress addresses this. the supreme court said it was congress this issue to deal with. we need to have addressed the farm bill to provide the certainty so we can make business decisions. i would say it's also generational part look at the next generation of farmers if they want to come into the family farms and see that uncertainty, it's hard for them to know if that is where they want to be. thank you. over the past four is he by the administration far beyond this mandate to implement costly, burdensome rules, often without being able to show any

quantifiable benefits to producers. can you talk about the need to prevent these rules from proliferating the future and the regulatory overreach has on livestock? >> thank you, mr. chairman. about 70% of catalan or feedlot our customer from florida to the big island of hawaii and everywhere in between. because of the opportunities for marketing, we have a lot of different ways we can market their cattle so that they can be paid for the superior genetics and superior animal husbandry and so forth who makes a superior product for a lot of those opportunities were taken away by the packers and stockyards act. due to the federal government shouldering their way in telling us how to market cattle. it will be very good if we could eliminate the ability for the

government to do that. and so that is a hardship on us. these people are good producers producing good product need to build to paid on the merit of their product. >> very good, thank you. mr. wesner thank you for your comments on the influenza. he speak on the importance of strengthening the work between growers, usda and states? you talked about this a little bit. this respond to influenza and supply support to bruises that are impacted. our experience with usda and navigating the bird flu problem for the most part has been very positive. if i would say there is a one way to improve it, sometimes you have to get bureaucracy out of the way to get decisions made. you have heard that before this

morning with some of the other testimony. u.s. dated to tackle this bird flu thing head on. with funding to support research. brought a product to meet this week that is not a vaccine. the pharmaceutical that's being used in russia with good results. those were the kind of things. is it real? i am not sure. we have to look at it and go down and look at things to try to find an answer to this thing. there are people going hungry in this country. there are people going hungry all over this world you have to protect the protein anything the federal government can do to be supportive of that research and you know, vaccine is probably not the answer today. but it is the only tool we have. i'm going to play for going to

get better vaccines. right now people not worked hard on vaccines they don't know if i'll ever be able to sell it. so the fact the announcements today, i'm hoping we have turned a corner to bring cooperation treat usda with the farmers, with the researchers we come up with an answer that makes sense for avian influenza. and make sense for the american consumer. cook senator klobuchar? >> thank you very much. thank you, but have judiciary hearing a commerce hearing was put on 5100 steps mr. chairman. i just looked running back and forth. avian flu, i raised the importance of coordinated response of this virus with secretary rollins during her confirmation hearing. a request of her i look forward to reading the document today

were secretaries come out the coordinated response. mr. zimmerman, how would a strategic initiative bring together animal health experts from across impact industry at usda enhance our ability to mitigate and prevent the spread of avian flu? when to emphasize how important is to include turkey in your response. >> thank you, senator part yes, we do hope turkeys are included in future drafts of the announcement today. we've been great partners in mitigating the disease outbreak. we are very thankful for their support. looking forward with made incredible strides in bio security. and i question whether that schmidt the forefront anymore. we are going to continue to push a bio security but we have to look at new solutions for strategic initiative would help us do that. we need to look into when and if

we can address the trade issues. how we will deploy a vaccine. we know it will not go to every bird all the way all the time we not birds we have to protect. >> thank you. >> we are in agreement here. >> soon have a plan in place but we know our trading partners are going to request that plan. these issues that have not been addressed yet being prepared for the eventuality were going to vaccinate sometime in the future. and researching other novel ways to vaccinate right now it would be an injectable vaccination we cannot inject every bird in the country. we have to look at other modes of delivering vaccine for the future. i think we can do to further our knowledge of how to mitigate this disease of incredibly helpful. >> okay, thank you. thank you for being here. can you talk about how the threat of tariffs and potential retaliation from trading partners like mexico, china, canada, really the whole world could impact the pork producers? and have you already seen an

impact in the futures market? could you talk about the tariffs on canada in particular? >> yes, thank you, senator klobuchar. 25% of our pork products are exported that adds $66 with the value of the net exporter we import more than we export. any type of retaliatory tariff are back on us to be concerned it could be disruptive to her market. it's important to note a number of wheat small from canada into the u.s. especially in minnesota the increase increase the cost of piglets into the united states and affect our cost of production. the countries we have the conference of trade agreement with canada, mexico. usmca those the top exporting markets.

we are an integrated marketing canada, u.s. and mexico explain the ways we do that. we talk about animal health issues together. we are good partners any type of tariffs were child through tariffs especially that would disrupt that would be very concerning. >> appreciate your answer. thinking of you knowing we need to have improvements there on dairy. also knowing how important that agreement is. i just noted that before the date agricultural commissioner r that i addressed yesterday. a number of us appear crafted improvements of former dairy margin protection program which led to the creation of the dairy margin coverage program for the 2000 team farmville. dmc program serves as a safety net for dairy farms across the u.s. as you know. working well i know there are some improvements we can make talking into my own dairy farmers minnesota. what changes would you like to see in the upcoming farmville to improve the ability to assist

producers? >> thank you for the question. as i stated dmc is very important to the dairy industry. naturally we like to improve it we like to state status quo witl with all the budget talks. the federation, which i represent here today could not come to an agreement on which way to go so status quo is where they are. dairy farmers of america would like to see it represent a more average sized farm in this country 5 million-pound level is an eight or 10-year-old number think the average dairy is closer to 78 million pounds which would justify coverage. we would also like to see the

basis increase of production history right now working with 2011 -- 2013. more efficient and doing everything we do on the dairy which means production and so on. raising that production thank you second panel of witnesses for being here today. as in many of you displayed in your testimonies this morning, it is clear the ag economy struggling but last year congress is able to provide some temporary support. but we really do need a lasting changes in the five-year

farmville. one that will actually focus on the farm. from your statements, a moment ago, it said the continued spread of a highly of hpa i is a major concern for many farmers. especially for farmers in my state. in the last few months have seen over 7 million birds just in iowa alone that have been impacted. and unfortunately it's a number that continues to grow every single day. even with farmers that adopted the bio security protocol and states are implementing strict movement control. i am thankful this remains a top priority for the administration. we did see earlier today secretary rollins announcing several steps she has taken to help mitigate ongoing outbreak.

so, i'm grateful the secretary of state get a number of suggestions my friend and colleague senator betterment and i provided to the department of agriculture last week. one of the strategies includes developing new vaccines to effectively protect a laying hands and turkeys from the virus. usda is grading a task force to work through trade concerns maintain export access to international markets. so, for both of you, let's start with mr. wesner. thank you. could you explain why a vaccination strategy is so important to preventing the spread of hpa i? what do the next steps look like in protecting our trade? >> the vaccination today is i believe the only protection we are going to have. if you look at diseases we had in the poultry industry in the past, there are some of them the only way to get past it was through vaccines.

i think this avian influenza now that is a mutated other species we've had one human death in the united states, the backseat needs to be forefront. they need to be the right vaccine. the need to be safe. this is not short-term. this is not going to happen next year. we are talking to -- five year thing, in my opinion, to really see much advancement improvement. but i think when the light turns green researchers and the people who know it's going to be used. i think advancements become quicker than i think. we have to go down this road. today it's the only answer we have to do nothing. hopefully they'll cope with better answers but right now the vaccines as mr. zimmerman said, taking a needle at 300 million chickens across this country. a lot of them caged free 45% or

whatever, that's not an easy task or easily done. >> someone's going to help us cope with a vaccine that makes sense. we have to start somewhere i applaud the administration for making that step today. i just hope it doesn't take too long. i hope we mood roadblocks out of the way and we go after with a vengeance because there's a lot on the line. >> mr. zimmerman? move denser restrict bio secure facilities are contracting the primary tool we have to look at his vaccination. viral load in the environment has exponentially increased in cats and other species. a great increase in indiana and

ohio. the viral load that is present in the environment. it needs to be done to roll out a vaccine strategy for multiple species and i'm including deer in this to get the viral loads we can reduce that viral load in different regions while addressing trade issues a giant tip step towards controlling the virus. >> it is such a huge huge issue right now for all americans. i apologize i'm out of time i did want to address a propositin 12 as well. this is coming from iowa than the pork producing state in the nation is a big deal. we've got to figure this out thank you mr. chair.

correct thank you, mr. chairman through thank you can of you throughout mr. chair. get to visit with any of you throughout the country. two things i want to address i understand the sheep inventory has been so reduced because of the decline, what we are competing with in other countries. i have been texting and i think you were e-mailing with him last night. he is in operation in northern nevada and california i promised them i would certainly address this in this committee. imports must really and new zealand that increase like 500% in the last many, many years the

last 30 years. seems like she producers have a distinctive disadvantage for foreign competitors i am concerned the high-volume the low price imports could put her producers completely out of business because you shed some light are domestic producers are facing with high volume of the cheap imports were seeing? >> yes but thank you for your question. i appreciate you meeting with she producers out there it's a desperate need in a lot of places in the sheep industry. we have a 40% currency deficit that we have to overcome. we struggle especially out west with predator control.

our importers and those who bring in do not have those issues. we struggle with labor. we talked about that in states of california, colorado and oregon for even the mandated federal level has been increased to a level that's completely unattainable that's what we are losing some of these big flocks. it's very, very important that we understand these issues. in california most of the largest producers of sheep are delivering a wildfire control in those areas. in my state of montana we are delivering not just weed control under the cattle ranches and fishing game sites but instead of a pesticide or herbicide application. there are so many opportunities we just need to make sure we can be competitive. >> thank you, very, very much. another top priority of mine in the new administration in the

immediate future. i want to talk about estate taxes, death taxes i don't think there's anything i was congress can do to be more vitally important to keep in production then addressing this. i will address you on this one. i want to talk about that. the death sentence for so many farms and producers. we see this all of the time that sell cattle. i know what it's like to operate on limited cash many of these people we have a lot of value tied up in the land. but that death tax is a massive burden and farm operations. forcing these families to sell off property after the death of

a family member. it simply to pay the irs. the senate majority leader soon it's introduced legislation to repeal the death tax but you would see me elated dancing in the halls of congress that this happened. does not follow this committee's jurisdiction not realize how many acres are taking out of production when we are trying to feed this country. on the burden of the death tax and u.s. cattle operations? >> amen and thank you for that question. the way land is appreciated and the value which is of course a good thing they either have to

sell or take on great debt to take on the tax on it. we're very pleased of that the trump administration did in their first term. we know he wants to reauthorize tax cuts and jobs act and maybe even improve on it. even with the higher level that is in it now, that even needs to be more. i could not agree with you more but that's a big one for land owners. and in agriculture which is high volume low margin it is especially a hardship. and so we appreciate your concern. we'll be working closely with the administration toward that end. >> thank you very much and i am out of time mr. chairman. >> thank you, mr. chairman. i will close with her

chairman's, ranking boozman is also a member per a temperature klobuchar we have ag appropriations of commodity credit program under that. it's vitally important. keep that tool as we go forward is going to be incredibly important. at the end of the year were not able to put a farm bill in place some members talk about the importance of getting that done and i agree with that. $33 billion in emergency assistance which came from the acc. funding from the ccc. date and day out between farm bills all these things happened we need that tool to have the flexibility to respond to farmers and ranchers.

to work with the administration choose an effective way. so first your thoughts as we get work to get this 33 billion out in emergency assistance do you have any specific recommendations as to how that can be done most effectively? >> the first thing would be to talk with the people who need it. rather than make the decisions up here the central planning idea. quick ethics editor bojan bobo and should make decisions by himself? >> i don't think that's what i meant. as the center would do is to be to talk to people out there. there's a great need. he's to be expedited because it's quicker and they do it

quickly. it's katy it's a far both updated reference prices. an enhanced lip e lapin lfp for ranchers. mr. western mr. zimmerman you may want to both comment on this. secretary of agriculture came out of the comprehensive plan this morning to address avian influenza. want to commend her for that. very strong, very effective secretary of agriculture her five-point plan identity for allhad a chance to look at it. that's a solid planet was comprehensive again it would be ccc funding. a huge problem this influenza.

have you had a chance look at the five part plan would be helpful as he worked to implement? >> i looked at it briefly before we walked in here this morning. i think it's a good starch. the proof is in the detail. when it gets right down to it. we have to go down the road and see where it leads. they have addressed somewhat in it. to make sure sense how were going to attack it. it has to start somewhere. i commend her for taking that step doesn't matter happens in the past is what we do today and what we do tomorrow.

i natural pulse root research programs not just deal with this problem but deal with problems in the next decade and the decade after that i think it can be done. do it pulling funding out of research labs were smart people can come or implement it we need to work closer with folks like you. it affects trade, fixed so many things to get it right anything you wanted to add mr. zimmerman? quick sleeve obviously seat in the plant looked over briefly. we do want to make sure all harbors of the virus are included in this plan eggs,

poultry theory cattle and wildlife also. the population incredibly expensive economically and emotionally devastating thing to have to do. as we move forward we can look at the vaccine to be wanted them. long-term heavy much more financially viable solution to the outbreak than what our current path is done. >> thank you, thank you mr. chair. >> the senator from kansas. mr. chairman, thank you. plus thing you want someone to walk at the last minute put their nameplate up and ask a question. i do not know it's been asked or answered but i did knowledge

miss the chance instructions to me into the senate. about the importance of trade with the potential terrorists. the easiest question in that arena be the most beneficial ind something we might actually be able to achieve. all direct touch is the best answer. >> i will give it a shot. i would say i have it issued to countries as brazil and paraguay. we have an agreement with australia we bought beef from

them for 20 years they have not spent one red cent with us. also enforcing the agreement. the open example of what you're talking about. looking for the next new market. the advantages of trade are being realized. >> that is what i would see it. >> industry experts almost 20% of our products about 40% go to our neighboring countries canada and mexico. i would encourage this committee the administration new mca agreement to look at our part is to the north in canada. i have a history of

circumventing the process many are traditionally given to companies from canada and this country that plant needs to be revised with them. mexico is a great trade partner. from them i would hope we would it woulddo no harm. thank you. quickly follow up with that and then i will conclude mr. chairman. any efforts underway with the administration to dairymen livestock producers or others have this particular at least the press reports there's going to be new usmca agreements or negotiated and attempted at the new agreements as our conversations going on are the personal yet in place of the process is confirming one of the

important players today. >> as i understand it usmca will be revealed as a violation of some of the parts of the agreement. >> at some point in time you expect that inputs into those disagreements? >> be help. >> thank you. i want to thank you for being agenda tremendous job. we appreciate your participation but we know you have other things to do both panels represented their industry very, very well. the record will remain open for five business days. but that today's hearing is now adjourned.

[inaudible] a lookow at some of the live coverage commit friday on the c-span network. see spent 11:00 a.m. eastern will have a discussio on the trade relationship between the united states and canada under the trump administration hosted by the american enterprise institute. ukinian president zelensky is in washingn d.c. will be meeting wh president trump at the white house. later in the afternoon president zelensky will be at the hudson institute foriscussion on trying to secure peace in ukraine. on c-span2 88:15 a.m. eastern

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