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Four congressmen from the US House Ag Committee made history by holding a Farm Bill Listening Session in Tennessee. It was the first ever meeting like that helds in Tennessee. Farmers from across the volunteer state got the opportunity to tell these congressmen their thoughts and concerns on the upcoming Farm Bill.
Thomas Capps
Tennessee voices heard on the Farm Bill. Hello and welcome to Tennessee Home And Farm Radio, I’m Thomas Capps.
Congressman Glenn Thompson
It’s helping us, preparing us, equipping us to write a highly effective farm bill.
Thomas Capps
Four Congressmen from the US House Agriculture Committee are in Tennessee this week making history by participating in a farm bill listening session. The first ever in the Volunteer State. The two Congressmen from Tennessee on the US House Ag Committee, Congressman John rose and Scott DesJarlais were joined by Ag Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania and democratic freshman member Jonathan Jackson from Chicago. All four congressmen listened to Tennessee farmers concerns about the farm bill for three hours on Monday, which Congressman Thompson says is essential
Congressman Glenn Thompson
The voices that we heard from today from here in Tennessee. We’re taking those voices back to Washington and incorporating all that great feedback, that input, recommendations, suggestions into our work on this farm bill.
Thomas Capps
Soybean farmer Casey Youngerman of Henderson County represented the Soybean Association during the listening session.
Casey Youngerman
I wanted them to understand how important trade was keeping the title one protected, if not increase the funding. We really am wanting to make sure that the Checkoff Program was not gutted or was not tampered with in any way.
Thomas Capps
Time is of the essence and passing a new farm bill, as many of the programs in the current Farm Bill expire at the end of September. And while Congressman Rose can’t promise a farm bill will be passed by then, he assures they’ll do everything they can to get one passed by the end of the year.
Congressman John Rose
We’re gonna put some pressure on the Senate by getting it done on the House side and hopefully that will prod them along to getting the Senate work done. And it wouldn’t be a complete disaster if we can’t get it done by September 30, but we do need to get it done this year.
Thomas Capps
Now, if a farm bill is not passed by September, a temporary extension could be an option. But farmers here in Tennessee have made it clear to congressional leaders that a farm bill is important, not just for them, but for everyone who eats. For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
