Video & Transcript Research : 'tree farming'
Page 103 of 281
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a lot more family farms, a lot more closer sources of food and products to families.
- However, the family that owns Everglades has been farming the rich soils of Belle Glade since the early
- However, the family that owns Everglades has been farming the rich soils of Belgrade since the early
- Makes me a little more comfortable speaking to Senator Truenow because he's a farmer and has a farming
- That John Deere and several of the other OEMs, as alluded to, have with the American Farm Bureau has
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and first heard SB 1826 by Senator Martin, which would restrict ultra-processed foods served to public school students during the school day. Senator Martin said the bill is aimed only at government-purchased food in public schools, not parents’ lunches or after-school sales, and argued it is intended to protect children’s health and school performance. Members questioned the bill’s definition of ultra-processed food, its scope during the school day, and possible cost and compliance issues. Senator Rouson offered a friendly amendment extending the compliance date from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, and the committee adopted it. Several industry groups and associations spoke against the bill, citing lack of a clear definition, FDA preemption concerns, costs, and the risk of a state-by-state patchwork; Moms for Liberty waived in support. Senator Martin then temporarily postponed the bill for further work.
The committee next took up CS for SB 1132 by Senator Truenow on consumers’ right to repair certain equipment, including agricultural equipment and portable digital devices. An amendment by Senator Boyd was adopted to exclude security and life-safety systems and remove automobile-related provisions. Public testimony included opposition from TechNet, which said the bill is unnecessary because repair parts, tools, and manuals are already available and asked for changes to make the bill prospective and remove the private right of action. Agricultural equipment dealers and manufacturers testified against the bill, arguing that current repair resources and a memorandum of understanding with the Farm Bureau already address repair access, while warning that the bill could undermine dealer margins, parts inventory, training programs, safety, cybersecurity, and emissions compliance. Some members supported the concept but noted the bill still needed work. The committee voted 4-0 to report CS for SB 1132 favorably.
The meeting concluded with a presentation from Florida 4-H youth leaders on the organization’s impact and goals. The presenters described 4-H’s role in leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, highlighted statewide participation and camp programs, and asked for continued support for camp improvements, especially the Camp Cherry Lake revitalization effort. Senators praised the students’ presentations and the value of 4-H before the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/02/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- 40 years ago at the height of the farm 40 years ago at the height of the farm crisis,<00:02:35.120
- farming and bills to keep getting paid. farming and bills to keep getting paid.
- to the economic crisis in farm country. to the economic crisis in farm country.
- Since the 1980s farm crisis, lives, too.
- Requests for mediation are increasing, as are farm bankruptcies.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It moves through the air, exposing farm workers, families, and children to a chemical that's been linked
- It moves through the air exposing<00:01:50.880>
farm <00:01:51.120>workers, <00:01:51.440 - >
families, <00:01:51.760>and exposing farm workers, families, and exposing farm workers - You know, I'm going to take a page out of Farm Bureau and Brian Miyamoto's playbook, because every year
- I'm going to take a page out of Farm I'm going to take a page out of Farm Bureau<00:02:54.080>
and
Bills:
HB1979
Keywords:
environmental review, affordable housing, clean energy, judicial proceedings, public participation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The committee held an AEN hearing on Friday, March 20, in Room 224 with remote participation streamed live. The first measure, HB 1880 HD3, would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2030, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-D (Telone). Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and HAPA, argued that 1,3-D is a probable carcinogen, can drift off target, and poses risks to farm workers, nearby families, children, and vulnerable communities, while safer alternatives exist. Opponents, including the Western Plant Health Association and Dole Food, said the product is federally registered and regulated, is needed for pineapple production, and that banning it could threaten jobs, local food production, and the pineapple industry; Dole also noted a petition signed by 95 employees opposing the bill. The chair recorded 73 in support, seven opposed, and two comments for the measure.
The committee then took up HB 1931 HD2, which would establish a state noxious weed coordinator, update the process for designating and managing noxious weeds, allow public proposals to change designations, require notice and reporting, classify weeds into three categories, and strengthen enforcement and penalties. Testimony was generally supportive, with DLNR and DAB submitting support and CGAPS backing the bill as a modernization of outdated 1950s-era statutes, arguing that more flexible administrative rules would better address changing agricultural and invasive species conditions. The measure received 38 supportive testimonies, with no opposition or comments recorded.
Because the committee did not have quorum, no final decision was made on the measures. The chair announced that decision-making would be rolled to Wednesday, March 25, at 3:05 p.m. in Room 224, and the hearing adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This is just great for my community, my farming community. The program is housed under the U.S.
- Every day at the designated farmers' markets, farm stands, and grocery stores, for every dollar spent
- This is just great for my community, my farming community. The program is housed under the U.S.
- There are over 150 Arizona farms providing food for the program. This program keeps dollars local.
- This is just great for my community, my farming community. The program is housed under the U.S.
Keywords:
brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- In the past, my dad tried farming it.
- So he had to quit farming.
- <00:32:30.880>
it um in the past my Dad tried farming it um in the past my Dad tried farming - <00:33:03.000>
they 50s um so he had to quit farming they 50s um so he had to quit farming - So for us to live on that land, we had to clear the land and, you know, farm it.
Summary:
The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard Governor’s Message 590, the nomination of Archie Kappa Kappa Kappa to the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and received extensive testimony in support from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands staff, labor representatives, and community members. Supporters emphasized his leadership during the Maui wildfire response, his cultural standing, his long community service, and his experience with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. In his own remarks, Kappa described his background as a lifelong Lahaina resident, former lifeguard supervisor, and community organizer, and said he would prioritize commission duties while balancing his voyaging commitments.
Members questioned Kappa about attendance, his understanding of the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s responsibilities, and his views on commercialization and revenue generation. He said commission meetings would be his priority, acknowledged he could not guarantee attendance at every meeting, and explained that commercialization meant using commercial properties and leases to generate revenue for Hawaiian Homes communities. He also said he supported using land assets to reduce reliance on legislative appropriations. A senator raised Act 279 and the need to focus spending on reducing the waitlist; Kappa said the act was complex and that he did not yet know enough to speak confidently beyond what he had read. The committee did not vote on the nomination in the portion provided and said it would return to voting later.
The committee then took up Governor’s Message 591, the nomination of Lawrence Luua to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Testimony described his background in banking, military service, Maui County planning, and long involvement with Molokaʻi homestead matters. Luua told the committee he had lived the challenges of homestead life, including housing and road issues, and said he wanted to continue the work of Prince Kūhiō by helping Native Hawaiians return to and live on the land. In response to questions, he said he began attending DHHL meetings regularly in July 2024, discussed concerns about county road obligations versus homestead responsibilities, and said he had struggled with Act 279 because he was concerned about moving funds away from other projects even though he supported its goal of reducing the waitlist. The committee then moved on to the next governor’s message and testimony for another nominee, with a SHPD representative briefly introducing the background of that nominee, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife REVISED Apr 23rd, 2026 at 08:30 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- So, how there's mychniman was raised on a 1/5 generation farm and ranch in Garber, Oklahoma.
- Upon graduation, Tyler moved home to Garber to continue his legacy of farming and ranching alongside
- Tyler currently farms with his older brother Travis and his dad Lee and looks forward to the future of
- more fulfilling to Tyler than knowing that the next generation is anxious to continue his legacy of farming
- Attended Oklahoma State University, immediately came back to the farm.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been farming for 17 years now.
- We are talking small farms, and this is also the upper limit.
- I own Southern Sunny Acres Farm north of Tyler, Texas, in Winona.
- I'm with Blackwood Farms. We're a small family farm specializing in regenerative agriculture.
- I hope you've had a chance to actually experience farm-raised eggs.
Keywords:
SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction
Summary:
The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data.
Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed.
The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/18/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> No farm, no food, Mr. President.
- We have over 30,000 family farms that generate nearly $90 billion in economic impact.
- >> NO FARM, NO FOOD, Mr. PRESIDENT.
- WE HAVE OVER 30,000 FAMILY FARMS THAT GENERATE NEARLY $90 BILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT.
- OUR FARMS GROW AND PRODUCE WHAT'S CALLED THE FULL PLATE.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted.
The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed.
The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Brian Miamoto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- We submitted some written comments um and echo some of the sentiments uh that the Farm Bureau shared.
- and DAB have done, you know, work to ensure that there are some opportunities for small and family farm
- <00:26:47.279>
operations <00:26:47.760>to for small and family farm operations to - for small and family farm operations to gain<00:26:48.480>
a <00:26:48.640>foothold, <00
Bills:
SB2064, SB2662, SB2862, SB2343, SB2075, SB2781, SB2927, SB3068, SB3015, SB2929, SB2938, SB3230, SB3249, SB3332, SB3216
Keywords:
state architect, construction projects, design approvals, building codes, state agency oversight, government accountability, external consultants, procurement reform, cost efficiency, in-house expertise, gubernatorial appointments, senate confirmation, executive branch, accountability, civil service, SB2343, Hawaii Legislature, regular session, lengthened session, continuous legislature
Summary:
The committee met on February 12, 2026, to take decision-making on measures previously heard earlier in the month. Several bills were deferred indefinitely or set for later discussion, including SB 2064 on the Office of the State Architect, SB 3068 on procurement, and SB 3216 after its contents were moved into another measure. SB 2862 on gubernatorial appointments, SB 2781, and SB 315 were all deferred to Tuesday, February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225 for further work. The committee also noted that if technical problems interrupted the meeting, it would reconvene later for outstanding decision-making.
The committee passed SB 2343 on the Legislature with amendments incorporating language from SB 3216, technical changes, and a defective date of 2525. SB 2075 was advanced as a Senate draft 1 after amendments responding to constitutional concerns raised by the attorney general and SPO. SB 2927 on procurement was also passed with amendments clarifying debriefing requirements and adding technical changes, and SB 2938 on search and rescue was amended to place the position in Hima rather than the Governor’s office before being adopted. SB 3249 on procurement protests was amended to remove the term "frivolous," reduce the forfeiture to half the bond amount, and note unresolved issues, then adopted.
The committee also took up SB 3332 on state-funded travel, amending it to remove certain lines, report travel by position number to protect confidentiality, remove subsection G, and add a defective date of 2525; it was adopted. SB 2929 on public notice was amended into a pilot project for counties with populations between 100,000 and 175,000, with a year-end report to the Legislature, and was adopted. Later, the committee returned to SB 2094 on environmental action levels, heard testimony from the Department of Health in support of its current scientific process and from an environmental caucus witness in strong support of the bill’s transparency and petition provisions, and then deferred decision-making to February 17 at 3 p.m. in Room 225.
In the joint hearing portion, SB 3233 on agricultural workforce housing drew generally supportive testimony from ADC, the Farm Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the State Procurement Office, with concerns focused on clarity, flexibility for smaller farms, and avoiding concentration of benefits in one large operation. The committee ultimately recommended passing SB 3233 with the State Procurement Office’s clarifying amendments and the Hawaii Farmers Union’s amendment to ensure workforce housing incentives benefit multiple farmers, and the measure was adopted.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee (5-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um I grew up on a cattle farm summer.
- That's on page number 10, is the Community Farm Alliance.
- It was Grow Farms LLC. Can you share more about why that project was denied?
- The denied project was Grow Farms LLC.
- <00:38:02.880>
And Ultimately improve net farm income?
Summary:
The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed.
The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade.
Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/13/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- being treated not like an family farm being treated not like an individual<00:48:47.720>
person - first of all I think I I family farm first of all I think I I appreciate<00:48:51.880>
the <00- The other issue I would point out, and we have talked about Family Farms or any small business that’s
- And I will say, for example, the family farming example is particularly acute.
- Family Farms or any small business Family Farms or any small business that's<00:55:42.119>
organized - first of all I think I I family farm first of all I think I I appreciate<00:48:51.880>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- dairy farms. dairy farms.
- Many of us have that view of a very small farm, neighborhood farms, rural communities.
- >
farms, neighborhood farms, neighborhood farms, rural<01:01:26.200>communities. - trying to focus on smaller farms. trying to focus on smaller farms.
- to help out those small farms. to help out those small farms.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 5th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There are many family farms, ranches, small businesses, and homeowners that rely on exempt wells as their
- I'm in this situation myself on my farm in Gonzales County, and these wells are absolutely necessary
- a permit for 15,000 acre-feet, and now they want to install three additional wells adjacent to my farm
- My farm, we are absolutely not protected by these ground by the current water code.
- My name is Charlie Leal, and I serve as legislative state director for Texas Farm Bureau, and we are
Keywords:
agricultural conservation, land preservation, environmental protection, wildlife habitat, Texas Farm and Ranch, groundwater conservation district, Texas Water Code, water permit, permit amendment, groundwater permit, water rights, aquifer, well registration, exempt wells, beneficial use, water conservation, groundwater quality, well plugging, Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, surface water resources
Summary:
The Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs Committee heard several bills focused on groundwater management, water infrastructure, and agricultural land conservation. SB 612 would limit certain water districts in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties from charging developers pipeline construction fees above actual, documented costs; the committee substitute removed a developer challenge mechanism to preserve district discretion over construction standards. HB 1633 would require groundwater conservation districts to consider registered exempt wells when reviewing or amending permits, and testimony from landowners, district representatives, and advocacy groups largely supported the bill as a way to protect domestic and livestock wells from drawdown caused by large export projects. HB 1689 would clarify that export fee revenues may be used for well operability, alternative water supplies, and aquifer monitoring, including through interlocal cooperation, and HB 3058 would give the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District authority to use export fees for county road improvements and environmental programs tied to well inspection and groundwater management. HB 2018 would clarify that the Texas Farm and Ranchland Conservation Program is intended to purchase conservation easements only on working agricultural lands, with support from cattle raisers and Farm Bureau representatives. The committee also considered HB 29, which would require large water systems to validate water loss audits and submit mitigation plans; a committee substitute removed the water-loss threshold and adjusted the timeline for more detailed validation. Public testimony on the bills was generally supportive, with several witnesses describing declining well levels, road damage from export projects, and the need to preserve agricultural land and local water supplies. The committee adopted committee substitutes and voted favorably on HB 29, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 612, and SB 3058, recommending several of them for the local and uncontested calendar; HB 1633 was left pending awaiting a committee substitute.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- grants for farm losses due to weather conditions.
- Special Fund to provide grants for farm losses due to weather conditions. >> The question is, shall
- security special fund to provide farm security special fund to provide grants<00:20:37.679>
for <00:20:39.280>- c><00:20:37.919>
farm <00:20:38.240>losses <00:20:38.880>due <00:20:39.120>to weather grants for farm losses due to weather grants for farm losses due to - c><00:20:37.919>
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Representative Brenda Steady and then suspended the rules to introduce 12 House bills by number only, referring them to committees. Members also read a House concurrent resolution congratulating the 2025 Milton High School Yellow Jackets boys soccer team on winning the Division 2 championship, and the chamber welcomed the team and coaches to the gallery. The Speaker announced that HCR 163 had been mistakenly placed on the consent calendar and removed it, and also announced committee appointments following a resignation.
A series of guest recognitions followed, including visitors from the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative, the 2026 Snelling Early Childhood Leadership Institute cohort, mentoring organizations observing National Mentoring Month, the Vermont Historical Society, and former Representative Mari Cordes. Members also highlighted an upcoming Act 73 overview, the first Farmers Night concert, and a Caucus for Vermont’s Economy meeting. No votes were taken on these announcements, but the House formally welcomed the guests and recognized new House leadership and a new committee assistant.
On the action calendar, the House passed H.649 on captive insurance companies and concurred in S.60 establishing the Farm Security Special Fund for weather-related farm losses. The House then approved H.534 on community action agencies, with the Human Services Committee describing it as a statute update that changes terminology, strengthens planning and governance requirements, and uses people-first language; the committee reported a 10-0-1 vote. The House also advanced H.84, which allows telehealth appointments to be recorded only with patient and provider consent; the Health Care Committee said it modernizes telehealth law without weakening privacy protections and reported a 10-0-1 vote. The chamber ordered third reading or passage on each bill and then adjourned until Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife REVISED Apr 23rd, 2026
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- Tyler Smyth Snichmann was raised on a fifth-generation farm and ranch in Garber, Oklahoma.
- Upon graduation, Tyler moved home to Garber to continue his legacy of farming and ranching alongside
- Tyler currently farms with his older brother, Travis, and his dad, Lee, and looks forward to the future
- I was actively involved in FFA, attended Oklahoma State University, immediately came back to the farm
- Again, a great candidate here, and I was also impressed when I went out to their farm here last year.
Summary:
The committee considered the nomination of Tyler Snythman (spelled variously in the transcript) to a state agricultural board or commission seat. Senator Peterson presented the nominee, describing his background as a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Garber, Oklahoma, his FFA and Oklahoma State University experience, and his family’s diversified farm and cattle operation. Snythman also addressed the committee, outlining the operation’s wheat, soybeans, corn, seed sales, trucking, and cattle enterprises, and said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn.
Senator Hicks raised a question about district representation in the nomination packet, noting what appeared to be a missing District 1 member and a possible issue with District 3. Secretary Arthur explained that the district information likely contained a transposed number in the staff-prepared history and function sheet, and said the counties represented were correct, so the committee would still have appropriate representation if the nomination moved forward. Hicks said he had already checked on the matter earlier in the week.
After brief closing remarks from Senator Peterson urging approval, the committee voted 11-0 to confirm the nomination, with all members present voting aye and no nays. The chair declared the nomination passed and adjourned the meeting.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 7th, 2026
Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The USDA, under the Farm Bill, has just created the new Office of Seafood. Right?
- group of people that called me and said that there was an amendment put in the act of 2026 in the farm
- It was in Section 1208 of the Farm Bill.
- So as the Farm Bill went through a variety of different amendments and getting it out of committee, on
- Going to school in the Midwest and those mega farms, I mean, it has changed the input and the amount
Summary:
The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met to approve the October 3, 2024 interim minutes and then took up two resolutions. HCR 205, by Representative Kerner, urged USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Supporters said shrimpers are facing very low prices, full cold storage, and an urgent need for federal purchases to stabilize the market and help local processors and fishermen. Commissioner Mike Strain explained that USDA commodity purchases can support schools, nursing homes, and food banks, and members discussed the need for cold storage, marketing, and better promotion of local seafood. The resolution was reported favorably without objection. The committee also considered HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill language that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs; members said the provision had raised concerns about field trials, scent hounds, and hunting practices, and the resolution was also reported favorably without objection.
The committee then received a presentation from Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture leadership, led by interim president and chancellor Orlando McMeans and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, teaching, and extension work, including medicinal cannabis research, beef cattle and smart ranching, viticulture, aquaculture, precision agriculture, food and nutrition, and support for small farmers and K-12 dual enrollment. They highlighted scholarship and enrollment programs, including USDA-supported 1890 scholars and JAG Stars, as well as partnerships with LSU and USDA. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed 1,300-bed disaster shelter/mega shelter at the experiment station.
Members asked questions about meat-cutting and processing training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s use when not needed for disasters. Southern officials said the new processing facility is intended to support training and workforce development, and that the shelter could also be used for events such as weddings, graduations, and agricultural activities. The committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and the work of the Ag Center. Representative Broussard then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Jan 28th, 2025
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- So if farms are enrolled in conservation programs or there's some shortage going on, and there's some
- And I've been farming for years, I thought it was ag status.
- And I just don't see farmers and ranchers losing their agricultural status on their farms and ranches
- So the only way you can buy ground insurance is through dry land farming, not dry land irrigation.
- Israel today, in my state, both with small farms and also with the families.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- ON FARM LEGAL WORKER HOUSING.
- WITH THAT, I PRESENT THE FLORIDA FARM BILL. >> THANK YOU SENATOR TRUENOW.
- TRIP UNDER, FARM BUREAU WAIVING IN SUPPORT. JIM SPRATT FLORIDA NURSERY WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION FOUNDED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF PROTECTING PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS. 2025 FLORIDA FARM
- TRIP HUNTER, FARM BUREAU, WAIVING IN SUPPORT. TRIP HUNTER, FARM BUREAU, WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And in nearly profitability on the farm.
- already just in been brought to farms already just in the<00:13:22.240>
pilot <00:13:22.639>- be able to work on some of these farms be able to work on some of these farms and<00:31:32.080><
- what our hospitals are doing on farm what our hospitals are doing on farm farmers<00:37:58.880><
- We are seeing extreme buy-in in the community around this for on-farm processing.
Summary:
The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association.
Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals.
The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans.
Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, my name is Patrick Bray, representing the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group.
- For the record, my name is Patrick Bray, representing the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group.
- When we met with the Farm Bureau last year, we asked that question.
- When we met with the Farm Bureau last year, we asked that question. cause here.
- When we met with the Farm Bureau last year, we asked that question.
Keywords:
income tax, conformity, Arizona Revised Statutes, taxpayer, federal regulations, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive