|
This was a very eventful week in the 17th Congressional District. I showed House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15) and several members of the Committee around Central and East Texas. We met with farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agribusiness owners to discuss the upcoming reauthorization of the Farm Bill.
This significant piece of legislation is reauthorized every five years, and covers an array of issues for American agriculture including commodities, conservation, nutrition, credit, rural development, forestry, horticulture, crop insurance, and more. The Farm Bill has a tremendous impact on the livelihood of our farmers, and it is necessary for Members of Congress to meet with people nationwide as we consider how to shape agriculture policy for the next five years. I was honored to have the Committee Chairman and other members with me in Central and East Texas. We enjoyed meeting with individuals across the 17th Congressional District, from Lufkin to Waco. I trust Chairman Thompson’s ability to pass a bipartisan and effective Farm Bill, and I look forward to continuing to work with him this year.
|
.png "Pete_Sessions_AG_Banner_(Official).png")
Lumber and forestry represent a significant portion of the legislation included in the Farm Bill. Over the last 30 years, forestry experts have rapidly accelerated the industry’s ability to grow high-quality trees and ensure an abundance even during drought cycles. Texas forestry businesses are constantly looking for reliable labor to harvest trees and manufacture products. Chairman Thompson and I had a great time learning about West Fraser Angelina Lumber’s operation. The House Committee on Agriculture had a great time in East Texas.
The Farm Bill will address some of the most pressing issues for dairy farmers right now, to include mitigating drought and the cost of fertilizer. Both impact forage yields, which add to the cost of maintaining cattle. Today, feed costs represent approximately 60% of dairy producers' expenses in an average year and even more during a drought season. Members of the Committee and I left E&D Jackson Dairy with a greater appreciation for folks like the Jacksons who have large cattle operations.
Our conversation was thoughtful and frequently touched on securing our food supply and ensuring that it is nutritious and sustainable, particularly for our children. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) are providing huge nutrition benefits to children and families in need. I believe it is important for us to maintain these programs. I also had the honor to welcome Waco Mayor Dillon Meek and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton. We received good insight from those in attendance, and I am grateful to the Texas Farm Bureau for hosting the event.
The feedback that many gave will be helpful to Committee members as they write the Farm Bill this year. I appreciate the Members of Congress who took the time to come to Central and East Texas to connect with 17th District Texans. Specifically, I would like to thank Chairman Thompson for coming. I look forward to the Farm Bill that he and the Committee are tailoring to the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.
