Transcript Highlights:

• So I worked as a meteorologist for 20 years. higher in elevation.
• And so when you get higher in elevation.
• So the grain buyers bill, what it did was say, 'Okay, smaller grain buyers, we still want some check,
• "Okay, smaller grain buyers, we still "Okay, smaller grain buyers, we still want<00:13:27.600> some
• Larger grain buyers, over your books.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when you get higher in elevation.
• The grain buyers bill, what it did was say, okay, smaller grain buyers, we still want some check, but
• And bill, but it was about grain buyers.
• 25:41.039> we was said, okay, smaller grain buyers, we was said, okay, smaller grain buyers, we
• Larger grain buyers, over your books.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:00.399> I of grain. Think about that type thing. I of grain.
• Grain prices have been challenging.
• If you produce a bushel of corn, you take it to the elevator, the elevator tells you that day what they're
• , the elevator take it to the elevator, the elevator tells<00:55:50.720> you<00:55:50.880>
• But any of grain counterpart were here.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:18 University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics Presentation 00:02:18 Farm Credit Mid-America Presentation 01:12:41, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Richardson, in Hopkinsville, we have the Hopkinsville elevator.
• I'm people are seeing people come to my facility and they're loading grain out of my bean and they're
• I'm people are seeing who buys grain.
• Well, multiply that times 25,000 bushel and all of a sudden you've paid for half of your grain bin.
• Well, multiply that times 25,000 bushel and all of a sudden you've paid for half of your grain bin.

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28, which would create a framework for the $5 million in agricultural economic development funding included in the 2024 budget. Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell testified that the bill is intended to support agriculture-focused economic development, especially processing and further processing projects, by giving the Department of Agriculture tools to identify opportunities, convene partners, and offer incentives. He emphasized the role of the new economic development division in the department and said the effort is meant to complement, not replace, the work of the state Economic Development Cabinet. Shell and several senators described the bill as a rural development tool aimed at helping smaller communities attract projects that fit their scale. He cited examples such as poultry processing, grain and elevator operations, milling, and specialty crop ventures, arguing that local processing can create jobs, strengthen markets for farmers, and keep more value in Kentucky. Senators discussed the need for return-on-investment metrics and clawback provisions for unsuccessful projects, and Shell said the framework includes those concepts. He also said the department is working on opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel, biofuels, and other markets that could bring more acres into production. Members also raised questions about small-farm innovation, raw milk, and direct-to-consumer opportunities. Shell said raw milk testing and related consumer protection issues are more closely tied to the University of Kentucky and the department’s consumer/environmental protection functions than to the bill’s economic development focus, but he said the department can help expand small-farm programs such as Kentucky Proud, Buy Local, KOAP, CAP, food-as-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives. The discussion also turned to beef processing and feedlot development, with Shell saying Kentucky wants a beef processor but first needs to prove it can feed cattle at scale; he said changing conditions in western states could create an opening for Kentucky if it can build the necessary supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• this is adjacent to the Red Wing grain this is adjacent to the Red Wing grain facility<00:31:58.120
• Our top exports include soybeans, corn, wheat, grain, and recycled materials.
• Our top exports include soybeans, corn, wheat, grain, and recycled materials.
• The project includes the demolition of an unused grain elevator, reconstruction of 1,150 feet of dock
• <00:43:23.640> elevator, unused of an unused grain elevator, unused of an unused grain elevator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Bills: HB2445, HB2123, HB3048, HB3176, HB3239, HB3263, HB3794, HB3796, HB4265, HB4266, HB4317, HB4321, HB4322, HB3673

Keywords: HB2445, Route 66, Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Forward Commission, centennial, historic highway, preservation, tourism, historical society, scenic byway, National Historic Trail, Route 66 Alliance, Route 66 Association, Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, historic preservation, heritage tourism, public-private partnership, sunset extension, commission extension

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a grain facility in Kirsy in Callaway County. Anybody been through Kirsy?
• safety and grain rescue.
• knowing that we have Hopkinsville Elevator there as well, and then all those surrounding us.
• my backyard at Christian County Grain my backyard at Christian County Grain there<00:51:09.839><
• I think there was five grain bin emergencies last year or in the last couple years.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:18 KOAP Report 00:58 Approval of Minutes 53:58, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met on June 11 but did not have a quorum, so it could not approve the prior minutes. The committee then received a compliance and program update from Brandon Reed and Bill McClowski of the agricultural development board, who said the office is fully staffed, has digitized most records, and has added a Facebook page to share board actions, projects, and compliance work. They also reported that the board and finance corporation continue to operate with strong county-council participation and that the office had completed numerous site visits, program reviews, and project closeouts over the reporting period. The presenters reviewed monthly funding actions from December through May, including board approvals ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, with a December finance meeting delayed by a snowstorm. They highlighted that the Kentucky Agriculture Finance Corporation now has 57 loans generating more than $2 million per month in payments, and that the revolving loan program has grown to support more than $24 million annually in repayments available for relending. They also noted that 75% of the portfolio is in beginning farmer loans and that the office had recently surpassed 1,000 active loans. Several projects were discussed in detail. These included a grain facility in Callaway County supporting organic corn production for expanding egg-layer operations, a Union County cattle business expansion, a West Liberty Veterinary Clinic project to build a working cattle facility, a Grayson County farmers market project, a Casey County veterinary services project, and a packing warehouse for the Kanye family to support specialty crops. The presenters emphasized that county and state tobacco settlement funds are often combined, sometimes with participation loans, to leverage local investment. They also stressed the importance of supporting greenhouses, farmers markets, specialty crops, and large-animal veterinary services as key agricultural priorities. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the lack of quorum and the informational presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't know if you'd um grain?
• Oftentimes in grain elevators, you'll never see your money again because they use that to put bins in
• Oftentimes in grain elevators, you'll never see your money again because they use that to put bins in
• Oftentimes in grain elevators, you'll never see your money again because they use that to put bins in
• Oftentimes in grain elevators, you'll never see your money again because they use that to put bins in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now on to Kernza perennial grain.
• Now on to Kernza perennial grain.
• Now on to Kernza perennial grain.
• I don't know that I've ever had this grain, so is it a grain? It is. It is a grain.
• Harvest in Grain process uh grain Harvest in Grain process uh grain Harvest processing<00:47:55.599

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about one in three, one in four grains about one in three, one in four grains globally. globally
• much grain as possible. much grain as possible.
• So if you grow overproduce grains.
• It was farmers mad about grain elevators.
• where uh these elevators simply just go bankrupt and then the grain just pays the farmers, but who's

Bills: HF3718

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Summary: The Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met with quorum present, approved the March 2 minutes, and then heard a presentation on economic consolidation in agriculture from Austin Ferk, who said he was not taking additional public testimony. Ferk argued that consolidation in meat, dairy, and grain markets has squeezed farmers on both input and output prices, raised consumer prices, and reduced product quality. He used charts and examples to claim that concentrated markets lead to price gouging, that farmers now receive a historically low share of each food dollar, and that industrial production has contributed to environmental problems, especially in Iowa. Ferk focused on several large agribusiness firms, especially JBS and Cargill. He described JBS as a dominant meatpacker with a history of bribery allegations and market power across beef, pork, poultry, and leather, and said its ownership of brands can obscure who is actually selling the product. He also criticized Cargill as an opaque, privately held company with enormous influence over grain and food markets, and said the farm bill and crop insurance system have been shaped to favor overproduction of corn and soy rather than diversified farming. He argued that these policies, along with ethanol demand and export-oriented livestock production, have harmed rural communities, increased manure and nitrate pollution, and contributed to health problems. In the latter part of the presentation, Ferk discussed antitrust and policy responses, including concentration studies, a proposed packer ban that would prevent meatpackers from owning the animals they slaughter, and restrictions on slotting fees and other pay-to-play practices in grocery retail. He also referenced the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of consolidation harming local communities. No committee vote or formal action was taken on the presentation beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:03.360> nitrate message today is that elevated nitrate message today is that elevated
• We have an extended crop rotation growing corn, soybeans, small grains, and alfalfa.
• We have an extended crop rotation growing corn, soybeans, small grains, and alfalfa.
• /c><01:03:29.079> harvested<01:03:30.079> the grains after that grain is harvested the
• grains after that grain is harvested the cover<01:03:30.599> crop<01:03:30.799> mix<01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the first year and $1.3 million the second year for providing more fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, grain
• <00:21:10.120> Dairy<00:21:10.480> for vegetables meat poultry grain Dairy for vegetables
• meat poultry grain Dairy for children<00:21:11.279> in<00:21:11.480> school<00:21:11.960
• He said the committee worked really well together, for example, on the grain buyers bill that they passed
• :50.400> a<00:48:50.960> school<00:48:51.960> and<00:48:52.119> a ...elevator

Bills: HF1704, HF2052

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• We've talked about grain bin safety, where farmers can get sucked into a moving grain bin of grain, and
• We've talked about grain bin safety, where farmers can get sucked into a moving grain bin of grain, and
• bin of grain and and uh that can grain bin of grain and and uh that can be<01:12:44.199> deadly
• organization also strives to elevate organization also strives to elevate safety<01:20:49.040>
• As you can see, there's a grain bin right next to the barn, which does block the laser.

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Bills: HB4248, HB4429, HB2588, HB3472, HB4317, HB3462, HB2035, HB3501, HB3127, HB3143, HB3144, HB3260, HB4321, HB3011, HB3522, HB3530

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• We have you registered as Robert Brayden representing the Texas Grain. and Feed Association in favor
• Yes, Robert Brayden, President and CEO of Texas Grain and Feed Association.
• There is no assistance for the grain elevator or the cotton gin.
• The next layer in the supply chain is your grain elevators. When we don't have that...
• Our members include grain elevators, feed manufacturing, flour millers, export... houses, all walks of

Bills: HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479, HB 43, HB 3364, HB 3469, HB 3479

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, veterinarian, veterinary medicine, veterinary telemedicine, telehealth, telemedicine, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, livestock, pets, remote care, electronic means, telephone consultation, controlled substances, prescription drugs

Summary: The second bill, House Bill 3469, was introduced to address pest control regulations concerning nuisance birds. Representative Campos explained how the bill proposes non-lethal methods to deter these birds, such as the use of laser lights and sounds, which avoids conflict with both state and federal regulations. The committee heard impassioned testimonies from members of the public who shared firsthand experiences regarding the adverse effects of these birds on property and public health. The meeting concluded with both bills being left pending, reflecting a desire for further deliberation among the committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is all grass-fed grain.
• So one of the things, I did say we are elevating our food, innovation, and nutrition.
• And this is all grass-fed grain.
• So one of the things, I did say we are elevators.
• So one of the things, I did say we are elevating our food, innovation, and nutrition.

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:

• So we're going to have to definitely put resources in those programs to elevate the number of faculty
• And this is all grass-fed grain. We don't use any And this is all grass-fed grain.
• So one of the things, I did say we are elevating our food, innovation, and nutrition.
• So one of the things, I did say we are elevating our food, innovation, and nutrition.
• I'll show you some pictures, because with your support and your colleagues, we've been able to elevate

Keywords: 965, house, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can put it in a conveyor or in a in a grain elevator.
• out and allow the good grain to go through.
• Take this with a grain of salt, I guess. I do not believe that is aflatoxin.
• It primarily it's in grain corn, so, um, not, not the corn that we eat.
• , that was the picture you're seeing is grain corn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the facility locations, so here I'm talking about like grain elevator locations, grain storage
• That allocates grain in the base situation.
• So grain merchants, grain farmers, or anyone affected by the movement of grain for sure, and fertilizer
• If less grain moves, then it's a higher price. If less grain moves, you're going to have this cost.
• If less grain moves, then it's a higher price. If less grain moves, you're going to have this cost.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, in that world, I have... ...been elevated to have an opportunity to work with a group of people
• Our farms grow and produce what's called the full plate: fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy
• FRUITS, VEGETABLES, GRAINS, MEATS, AND DAIRY.
• Engage, empower, and elevate.
• CIVICALLY ENGAGED AND CERTAINLY WHEN IT COMES TO THE THREE Es, AS SENATOR STAVISKY SAID, TO ENGAGE, TO ELEVATE

Keywords: 993, senate, all

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.