Transcript Highlights:

• Only 4% of the farms, 4% of all farms in the U.S. are in California.
• That's not just acres, though; that's farms.
• It’s not just farms.
• This is our farm-to-school program exactly.
• We have to take care of our farm workers.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• I rise to read a legislative proclamation recognizing Farm Workers Day.
• standards in the United States to prevent heat deaths and illnesses.
• Workers Day in Arizona, honoring the creation of the United Farm Workers, dated this first day of April
• , 2026, of the United Farm Workers, dated this first day of April, 2026, Catherine Miranda, Arizona State

Transcript Highlights:

• The USDA, under the Farm Bill, has just created the new Office of Seafood. Right.
• The United States consumes about 2 billion.
• It was in Section 1208 of the Farm Bill.
• So as the Farm Bill went through a variety of different amendments and got it.
• And I want to also let you know we have a mobile processing unit.

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development met with a quorum, adopted the minutes from its October 3, 2024 meeting, and Chairwoman Butler noted that HCR 82 would be voluntarily deferred in favor of continuing work on HCR 77 related to a pilot program for landscaping and crawfishing. The committee then considered HCR 205, which urges the USDA to use its Commodity Procurement Program to purchase domestic Louisiana shrimp. Representative Kerner and Commissioner Mike Strain described the shrimp industry’s low prices, full cold storage, and the need for urgent federal action to support shrimpers and move product into schools, nursing homes, and food banks. Members discussed domestic sourcing rules, enforcement against imported seafood, and marketing challenges; HCR 205 was reported favorably without objection. The committee also took up HCR 188, which memorializes Congress to oppose any federal farm bill provision that could negatively affect the use of hunting dogs. Chairwoman Butler and Commissioner Strain explained that the concern centered on vague language in a farm bill section that could be interpreted to restrict hunting dogs used for tracking or field trials. Members agreed the language should be removed if it remained in the bill, and HCR 188 was reported favorably without objection. The committee then heard a presentation from Orlando McMeans of the Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture, along with Dr. Calvin Walker. They outlined the center’s research, extension, and academic programs, including enrollment growth, dual-enrollment efforts, 1890 scholars, JAG Stars scholarships, beef cattle and aquaculture research, viticulture, precision nutrition, and food access initiatives. They also described major facility projects, including a high-tech meat processing facility, research labs, a vineyard, and a proposed disaster-safe shelter. Members asked about butcher training, cattle genetics, and the shelter’s potential uses, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost of utility-scale solar farms has dropped 84% since 2009.
• Farms, I have a problem with that. I really, really do.
• They put full fertilizer and lime down and improved their farming.
• Yes, Senator Hinchey, who has a farm. Thank you. Yes, Senator Hinchey, who has a farm.
• But really, it's important that, you know, but not on the farms.

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Summary: The Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications met under Chair Senator Kevin Parker and considered several bills related to clean energy, transmission, storage, schools, and microgrids. Bill 1456, which would require certain watercraft, aircraft, and trains to be zero-emissions and direct NYSERDA studies and incentives, was discussed as technology-neutral and advanced with one no vote to the Finance Committee. Bill 286, increasing statewide energy storage capacity, drew concerns about battery safety, fire risk, and volunteer fire department training, but was advanced to the floor with two no votes. Bill 2482, the Go Green Schools Act, would let schools convert to renewable energy and keep savings for school operations; it advanced to the floor despite concerns about siting solar on school grounds. Bill 2485 on expanding electric transmission lines and Bill 5510 directing NYSERDA to develop microgrid recommendations were both advanced to the Finance Committee, each with one no vote. The committee then heard testimony from Marguerite Wells, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. She argued that wind, solar, storage, and transmission have made New York a leader in clean energy and said renewable energy is increasingly cost-competitive, with much of recent bill increases driven by grid upgrades and gas prices rather than renewables. She also said clean energy helps hedge against volatile fossil fuel prices, pointed to community solar and offshore wind as savings and reliability tools, and said the state’s permitting and interconnection processes have improved. Members questioned Wells about farmland use, decommissioning, recycling of solar and wind equipment, battery storage safety, local control, and misinformation. Wells said utility-scale projects require decommissioning plans and financial assurances, farmland must be restored under agricultural guidelines, and recycling capacity is developing. On battery storage, she said New York has rigorous codes and monitoring requirements, that not all storage is lithium-ion, and that state-level permitting is appropriate for large facilities. Several senators raised concerns about fires, contamination, winter performance, and siting projects in densely populated areas or on farmland, while others emphasized farmland protections and the value of renewable projects to host communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what is a farm?
• </c><00:07:48.160><c> I</c> farm? And then you look at the left. I farm?
• It’s a very small farm.
• So my farm, it’s only 305 acres, but every farm up the road from me are still original family farms.
• The next farm, large dairy. But dairy. The next farm, large dairy.

Bills: HF3718

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• A mere 20 years ago, the United States Senate voted 98 to 0 to restore the Voting Rights Act.
• Under this president, the United States is gone.
• small farms and ranches diversify their income and remain viable for future generations.
• For many small family farms, agritourism is not just a supplemental income.
• It is what keeps the farm operating.

Transcript Highlights:

• Farm Bureau is a federation of New Hampshire's 10 county farm organizations, consisting of about 2,500
• </c> establishing accessory commercial units establishing accessory commercial units by<01:08:10.640>
• </c> Accessory commercial units.
• Chairman. commercial dwelling unit." So, um I'll commercial dwelling unit."
• Probably not true for State Farm.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got some representatives here from Lyon County Farm Bureau and McCracken County Farm Bureau.
• </c> recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau. recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau.
• </c><00:02:48.120><c> Bureau</c> welcome the Taylor County Farm Bureau welcome the Taylor County Farm
• Bureau, as well as Green County Farm Bureau, as well as Green County<00:03:12.760><c> Farm</c><00:03
• </c> from Farm Bureau that's here with today. from Farm Bureau that's here with today.

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• This farm bill was meant for good.
• I am a veteran, retired United States Navy.
• We are a farm family from West Texas. We farm 5,000 acres of cotton, peanuts, wheat, and hemp.
• Again, I represent myself and 4K Farm, LLC, which is a small business, craft hemp farm in Giddings, Texas
• And here we are in the United States.

Bills: HB28 , SB3 , SB 3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• get very valuable credits per unit of fuel.
• Not every farm is a good candidate for dry scrape.
• “Farming practices.
• Is it the perfect solution for every farm?
• Is it the perfect solution for every farm?

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in Minnesota milk is voluntary I farm in Minnesota milk is voluntary I farm with<00:05:27.840><c
• <00:31:18.720><c> Mr</c><00:31:18.960><c> lunman</c> farm Mr lunman farm Mr lunman yeah<00:31:21.240>
• </c> just lay a uh a picture of dairy farms just lay a uh a picture of dairy farms in<00:37:45.960><c
• to help farm families evaluate their whole farm.
• 13% of the state's dairy farms.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• We farm north of Grandview.
• Washington is the largest producer of farmed shellfish in the United States.
• multi-generational farm.
• The first is the farm. The current DOH fee for our farm is $798.
• Between the farm and the processing plant, we share six employees.

Bills: SB5816 , SB5971

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, green fertilizer, low-carbon, sustainability, incentive program

Transcript Highlights:

• Clam farming helps bring in over 550 jobs in the area, whether it's direct at a farm... ...helps bring
• They want to come see the farms.
• to make it happen on individual farms.
• There's similarities from farm to farm, but we have to be astute enough to be able to figure out from
• So we have a hundred farms that we provide that service to—the individual watermelon farms throughout

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies. The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available. Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• This one at the time was co-branded by the folks from the United States service.
• I’m the Director of Governmental Affairs at Washington Farm Bureau.
• Washington is losing two farms a day right now. They’re not.
• farms, and we had a strawberry farm that used to have volunteer kids or groups come in.
• And the competition with the large farms is difficult for these small farms.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business, Financial Institutions, and Trade met off-site at SEA Airport for a work session focused on Washington’s air and maritime cargo economy. The first panel featured Port of Seattle air cargo manager Tom Green, Northwest Seaport Alliance CEO John Wolfe, and Washington Public Ports Association executive director Eric Fitch. Green described SEA’s air cargo mix, emphasizing the importance of belly cargo on passenger flights, the airport’s international freighter and domestic cargo operations, and the value of air cargo to exports, imports, and jobs. Wolfe outlined the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s role as a joint Seattle-Tacoma maritime gateway, the competitiveness of West Coast ports, recent volume volatility tied to tariffs and supply chain shifts, and regional partnerships such as inland logistics efforts in the Tri-Cities and work with tribal and city partners. Fitch then presented a broader trade strategy effort led by public ports and industry groups, centered on making Washington the most competitive West Coast gateway through partnership, workforce support, truck parking, site readiness, foreign trade zones, permitting, and land-use protections for industrial areas. Committee members asked about whether a separate cargo airport would relieve pressure at SEA, how cargo is measured, the role of Moses Lake and Paine Field, truck parking, and the effects of tax increment financing and international trade planning. The witnesses generally said cargo relocation would not solve the need for belly cargo at SEA, that kilograms/metric tons are the industry standard, and that smaller airports can capture some charter or niche cargo but SEA remains the main hub. Fitch said truck parking is a major unmet need and that tax increment financing has helped some port projects, especially in Pasco. Chair Kauffman and members also raised workforce development, manufacturing incentives, and coordination with broader state trade planning. The committee then heard from the Department of Commerce on small business export assistance and international investment promotion. Commerce staff said exports are critical to Washington’s economy, but tariffs and trade uncertainty are raising costs and threatening competitiveness, especially in aerospace and agriculture. They highlighted the state’s overseas consultant network, the Paris Air Show delegation, and participation in Fruit Attraction in Madrid as examples of trade promotion work that can generate business leads and jobs. They also warned that federal funding for overseas representation and the STEP export program is at risk, which could reduce Washington’s visibility in global markets and limit support for small exporters. A roundtable followed with Washington Farm Bureau’s Brianna Elsie, ILWU longshore worker Ali Vekich, and Eric Fitch. Elsie said specialty-crop agriculture has been more resilient than some other sectors but is still under severe pressure from high labor and input costs, farm losses, and market uncertainty; she urged broader policy solutions beyond mental health support. Vekich described how tariffs, zoning changes, and industrial land pressures are hurting longshore jobs and argued for stronger protections for maritime industrial lands. Fitch closed by stressing that Washington’s trade economy depends on cooperation among ports, labor, agriculture, and state government, and that maintaining competitiveness will require active policy support rather than complacency."}

Transcript Highlights:

• United</c><05:01:20.400><c> States</c> United with the United States United with the United States researchers
• </c> the United Kingdom, and the United the United Kingdom, and the United States,<05:14:15.280><c> which
• </c> need for a farm bill. need for a farm bill.
• And with family farms making up 96% of all farms in my district, this is huge news for countless farming
• And with family farms making up 96% of all farms in my district, this is huge news for countless farming

Bills: HR539 , HR747 , HB4216 , HB2635 , HB4233 , HB4490 , HB2503 , HB2643 , HB4215

Keywords: LaMonica McIver, censure, House of Representatives discipline, Homeland Security Committee, removal from committee, Newark, Delaney Hall, immigration detention facility, federal officers, assault on federal officer, resisting arrest, interfering with federal officers, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, HSI, congressional ethics, House resolution, disciplinary resolution, 18 U.S.C. 111, immigration enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• that they can offer that isn't grown on that particular farm where the farm stand is located.
• stay farming.
• The exclusion of farm workers from basic wage and hour protections is... ...exclusion of farm workers
• Farm workers would at least... ...worker in the Commonwealth.
• This amendment is not only about... ...our farms running.

Summary: The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0. The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill. In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre feet of water to the United States
• I'm representing the Texas Farm Bureau and here in support of, uh, HCR 77. Uh, Mr.
• I'm a Rio Grande Valley row crop farmer and serve on the Texas Farm Bureau board of directors.
• Texas Farm Bureau supports HCR 77 because it recognizes Mexico's blatant disregard of the 1944 water
• Is there any punitive actions that the United States could take?

Bills: HCR77 , HCR102 , HR559

Committee: House S/C on State-Federal Relations

Keywords: COFA, Compact of Free Association, Palau, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, COFA islanders, Texas House resolution, commemorative resolution, COFA Day, March 18 2025, Pacific Islands, insular affairs, U.S. territories, federal benefits, SNAP, TANF, FEMA, in-state tuition, veterans, Indo-Pacific

Transcript Highlights:

• So essentially what we have is the solar farms are reaching across generational farms.
• Solar farms also do not catch on fire.
• Mark Figginbaum with Missouri Farm Bureau.
• But for my area, no one's clamoring to build a solar farm.
• We were planning to move back to the family farm.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• food production Farm to school Farm<00:23:40.559><c> to</c><00:23:40.799><c> families</c><00:23:41.440
• Farm Bureau support, thank you.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau supports agritourism that's value-added for farm and ranchers.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau supports agritourism that's value-added for farm and ranchers.
• Hawaii Farm Bureau.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Hawaii lost 10% of our farms. Hawaii lost 10% of our farms.
• </c> Nationally, 6.9% of the farms went down. Nationally, 6.9% of the farms went down.
• The actual farm production um is farms.
• It's in the farm bill. 50 program.
• , that enclosed farming where you isolate basically out and do high-intensity farming.