Video & Transcript Research : 'cattle'

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WY
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 11, 2026 - AM

Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:09:31.920> industry, translate to the the cattle industry, translate to the the cattle
  • I really just do cattle work.
  • I really just do cattle work.
  • contracted brucyosis from cattle. contracted brucyosis from cattle.
  • School in Kansas, uh KR Cattle in School in Kansas, uh KR Cattle in Colorado,<02:07:35.760> and
Keywords: 916, all
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 01/21/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • tool<01:02:02.440> cattle<01:02:02.880> grazing<01:02:03.520> is<01:02:03.680><
  • c> an<01:02:03.880> important tool cattle grazing is an important tool cattle grazing is an
  • recent years with individual cattle recent years with individual cattle producers<01:02:46.960><
  • Do we currently lease any of this land to private cattle ranchers on the TNC lands?
  • So what it usually means is that a neighbor can open a fence and allow his cattle to go out into our
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Apr 1st, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:
  • We ranch full-time and raise sheep, goats, and cattle.
  • A lot of cattle come from a cattle family. That was one of the reasons I went to law school.
  • So, let's say I've got cattle, and you've treated one of my cows.
  • you go, whatever cattle you come in contact with.
  • As soon as I get close to my cattle, they take off like deer.
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.
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Mar 18th, 2026

Agriculture and Forestry

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, and all these exceptions that we put in, cattle, the cattle people, they're exempt.
  • 00.160> in and all these exceptions that we put in and all these exceptions that we put in cattle
  • ,<00:06:02.400> the<00:06:02.639> cattle<00:06:03.039> people,<00:06:04.319>
  • they're cattle, the cattle people, they're cattle, the cattle people, they're exempt.<00:06:05.199
Bills: SB361
Keywords: dogs, dog tethering, dog confinement, animal welfare, animal cruelty, animal neglect, outdoor shelter, kennel standards, leash laws, trolley system, animal control officer, law enforcement enforcement, service animals, working dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs, USDA breeder, commercial breeder, pet care, veterinary care
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

05/19/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • Basically, the way it goes is if your cattle gets hurt or killed, the U.S.
  • The way we figure out how much is we work with the cattle industry on what the rates are for cattle at
  • It's very fair to all the ranchers, the ones that get cattle that are hurt.
  • There have been pets, cattle that were people's pets, that were killed in their front yards, but they
  • You know, there have been some that have been hurt, and there is science to say that the other cattle
Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met to consider several board nominations, beginning with four nominees to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board. Michael Cravens, Jared Lyman, Nathan Reese (who submitted a written statement and did not attend), and Richard Williams each described their backgrounds in wildlife management, ranching, public lands, or conservation, and emphasized balance, pragmatism, and public service in selecting commission candidates. Members asked about their experience, perspectives on candidate evaluation, and the role of the board. Each nominee was advanced to the full Senate by separate motions, all approved on 7-0 votes with one member not voting. The committee then heard Darren Rasmussen’s nomination to the Arizona State Land Department Board of Appeals. Rasmussen discussed his long career in property appraisal at the private, county, and state levels, including work with county assessors and valuation training. Senators focused on his ability to bring transparency, statutory compliance, and consistency to state land appraisals and appeals. His nomination was also forwarded to the full Senate on a 7-0 vote with one not voting. Next, the committee considered the Arizona Livestock Loss Board nominees, Stephen Clark and Randy Dahl. Clark, who chairs the board, explained the board’s process for compensating ranchers for wolf depredation and described the distinction between confirmed losses and “probables.” Senators asked about reimbursement procedures, the range of Mexican gray wolves, and whether wolves had attacked humans in Arizona; Clark said there had been no human attacks in the state and that livestock losses had been compensated. Dahl was unable to attend but submitted a statement citing his farming background and business and engineering experience. Both nominees were confirmed by 7-0 votes with one member not voting. Finally, the committee heard from Carolyn Radajack and Stephanie Teske for the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. Radajack highlighted her prior service on the board’s investigative committee and her experience with disciplinary rules, while Teske emphasized her background as a sixth-generation rancher, veterinary assistant, and agriculture regulator, with a focus on rural livestock care and access to veterinarians. Senators discussed rural veterinary shortages, telemedicine, and the changing structure of veterinary practice. Both nominees were advanced to the full Senate on 7-0 votes with one member not voting.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House bill proposes mandating environmental reviews for large-scale feedlot facilities Apr 9th, 2026

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • head of cattle. head of cattle.
  • farmer, and now they raise beef cattle. farmer, and now they raise beef cattle.
  • in Colorado, uh cattle in Kansas, dairy<00:19:31.679> cattle<00:19:32.000> in<00:19:32.159
  • With record cattle and record fertilizer prices right now, I mean, I think uh this is...”
  • c><00:37:52.359> prices cattle and record fertilizer prices cattle and record fertilizer prices
Keywords: 1183, house
NE
NE

Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Morning Session Apr 7th, 2026

Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting

NE
NE

Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Afternoon Session Apr 7th, 2026

Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting

AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/10/2026 - Senate Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the same situation when you talk about the depredation of our cattle.
  • There's enough cattle in this state to provide for our citizens for a year.
  • There's enough cattle in this state to provide for our citizens for a year.
  • They're really losing a lot of cattle over the wolves that have been coming after their calves and cattle
  • Uh, they've come to us and, and have, uh, reflected the fact that they're losing a lot of cattle.
Bills: HB2013, HB2026, HB2056, HB2098, HB2113, HB2156, HB2158, HCM2011, HCR2057
Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply
Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3, 2026, and then heard several natural resources and water-related measures. House Bill 2013 would require ADEQ to submit an exceptional event demonstration to EPA when wildfire smoke from federally managed land affects Arizona air quality. The sponsor said this would help Arizona’s ozone/nonattainment position, while Sierra Club and ADEQ raised concerns that the bill duplicates an existing process and could waste staff time and resources. The bill passed 5-3. House Bill 2156 would appropriate $250,000 to the Livestock Compensation Fund. Supporters argued ranchers need help with livestock losses and drought impacts, while opponents criticized the board’s transparency and said the program already receives federal and prior state funding. The bill passed 5-3. House Bill 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when a proposed increase reaches 100% or more; the sponsor said rural customers are being overlooked, while RUCO said it would need significant additional staff and funding and could not absorb the workload without more resources. The bill passed 6-2, with members noting they expected a future amendment to add funding. The committee also approved House Concurrent Memorial 2011, which urges Congress to delist the Mexican gray wolf and return management to states and local authorities. Supporters cited livestock losses and ranching impacts, while opponents said the species remains endangered and recovery decisions should remain science-based; the memorial passed 5-3. House Bill 2026, concerning how ADWR evaluates water availability when supplies are commingled, passed 5-3 despite concerns that it could weaken groundwater safeguards. House Bill 2056, which funds a feasibility study for brackish groundwater desalination sites, also passed 5-3 after debate over whether the study was necessary given existing groundwater accounting and treatment efforts. House Bill 2098, modernizing Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority bonding authority, passed unanimously 8-0. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 2057, supporting a geothermal permitting roadmap and agency coordination for next-generation geothermal development, passed unanimously 8-0.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture (10-16-25)

Transcript Highlights:
  • Cattle do get out.
  • If anybody has cattle in here, you know cattle get out no matter what our practices are.
  • Cattle do get out.
  • my sister, she does cow cattle. my sister, she does cow cattle.
  • I do the cattle. Um Cheyenne does sheep. I do the cattle.
Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:24 Approval of September 18, 2025 Minutes: 00:02:03 Discussion on the Condemnation of Agricultural Land: 00:03:12 Discussion on the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative: 00:50:00 Adjournment: 01:19:10, 958, all
Summary: The Joint Agriculture Committee met in October with a quorum present and approved the September minutes. The main presentation focused on condemnation of agricultural land and eminent domain, featuring testimony from Stephanie Barnett of a family-run livestock and farming business in Todd County, with support from Kentucky Farm Bureau. Barnett described a state road project that would take about 29 feet of frontage and affect entrances, fencing, a sign, drainage, a water well, and parking, saying the process involved poor communication, correspondence sent to the wrong address, and limited opportunity to negotiate changes such as a turning lane or relocated entrances. She said the business was not opposed to progress, but wanted the property restored and fairly compensated for the full impact on the operation, not just the land value. Committee members broadly agreed that eminent domain is sometimes necessary but should be handled with more transparency, communication, and fairness. Several members said the issue affects both rural and urban property owners and raised concerns about fair market value, compensation for agricultural infrastructure improvements, long-term impacts on farm operations, and the cost and delay of litigation. One member asked about the firm involved and suggested hearing from the people responsible for the correspondence problems; Barnett said she would share names after negotiations conclude. Another member noted that the maps had already been drawn before the landowner was brought in and said local meetings and clearer public input could reduce conflict. Chairman Dossett said he was interested in pursuing legislation for the upcoming session focused on property owner protection, fair treatment, and fair compensation, not just for agricultural land but for all Kentucky property owners. Members discussed possible ideas such as requiring better notice, more public transparency, and accounting for related costs like wells, fencing, drainage, and access changes. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the approval of minutes and the discussion of potential future legislation.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Conference Committee on HF2446 5/9/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • 45.680> selling<00:59:46.000> directly cattle farmers that are selling directly cattle
  • Cattle prices are record number right now and the reason is our cattle numbers are the lowest they've
  • lot of that has to do with our cattle. lot of that has to do with our cattle.
  • number<01:10:32.400> right Cattle prices are record number right Cattle prices are record
  • So, anything we cattle to feed them to.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The Agriculture Conference Committee met for an initial organizational and comparison session on House File 2446, the agriculture broadband and rural development bill. Members introduced themselves, noted that no conference target had yet been set, and agreed to begin with a side-by-side review of House and Senate positions. No oral testimony was taken; instead, the chair listed written testimony submitted by a wide range of agricultural, environmental, local government, food bank, and industry groups. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through the major funding differences. Both bills included some shared items such as operating adjustments, wolf and elk damage compensation, and certain technical changes, but they differed on several major appropriations. The House generally proposed larger increases for meat inspection, local food purchasing, and the Board of Animal Health, and added items such as county inspector grants, biofertilizer innovation, a biosolids/PFAS-related study, a soil health study, broadband installation study funding, an Agri Works program, an Agri Support program, a milk grant program, and several House-only transfers and grants. The Senate included items such as a climate coordinator position, biofuel-related reductions and policy changes, livestock processing funding, farm-to-school and urban agriculture changes, MARL funding, cottage foods licensing updates, and several Senate-only pass-through grants and transfers. Staff also noted differences in the agriculture emergency account transfer approach and in how the two bodies handled the Second Harvest Heartland and related food distribution provisions. House Research then reviewed the policy language differences in the bill. The House language included provisions allowing more flexible use of grant administration funds, unpaid prior-year claims, county inspector grants, and updates tied to its own policy article, while the Senate language included the climate coordinator, PFAS-related commercialization language, cooperative development grant permissive language, and other Senate policy changes. The committee did not take any votes or final actions at this meeting; the session was informational and focused on identifying differences for later negotiation.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development May 7th, 2026

Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Probably one of our top programs is our beef cattle production program. And we developed, via Dr.
  • Your cattle producing, is that mainly short-eared cattle, what you're doing?
  • Are y'all doing the... ...producing, is that mainly short-eared cattle, what y'all doing?
  • Are y'all doing the typical South Louisiana-type eared cattle? Yes. Dr.
  • I've raised Beefmaster cattle all of my life, okay?
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.
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Mar 4th, 2026

Agriculture and Forestry

Transcript Highlights:
  • we've got to make this workable for that we've got to make this workable for uh<00:06:17.840> cattle
  • ><00:06:18.160> producers,<00:06:18.800> poultry<00:06:19.280> producers, uh cattle
  • producers, poultry producers, uh cattle producers, poultry producers, and<00:06:20.319> they<
  • So he doesn't have to examine every animal like in your case with stocker cattle.
  • "So, uh, it would be something that would be very workable from the cattle guys' perspective, which I
Bills: SB85, SB85
Keywords: vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education, immunization, religious tenets, sincerely held belief, school health policy, Alabama, AHSAA physical form
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/02/26

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • One frustrating part about being a cattle producer is that cattle markets remain volatile.
  • <00:19:24.960> Many this mean for cattle producers? Many this mean for cattle producers?
  • producer<00:20:04.640> is<00:20:04.799> that<00:20:05.039> cattle being a cattle
  • producer is that cattle being a cattle producer is that cattle markets<00:20:05.760> remain<00
  • are limiting opportunities for cattle are limiting opportunities for cattle producers.<00:20:40.159
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 15th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

NM
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Nov 6th, 2025

Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Maybe twice a year if you're holding over cattle from the previous year.
  • To the cattle and get them off the ranch because we're in such a drought.
  • We just got 100 acres, and I want to get in the cattle business."
  • We're now talking at the federal level to bring in cattle from another country.
  • Does that undermine our U.S. cattle? growers.
HI
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

TCA-AEN, AEN-HRE Public Hearings 03-31-2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Usually we buy the cuts and we import the cuts from the mainland, whether it be hogs, cattle, because
  • most of us ship our cattle out in containers to go to the feedlot unless we're doing grass-fed.
  • most of us ship our cattle out in containers to go to the feedlot unless we're doing grass-fed.
  • most of us ship our cattle out in containers to go to the feedlot unless we're doing grass-fed.
  • because most of us ship Hogs um cattle because most of us ship our<00:22:33.320> cattle<00:22
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 345, which would establish ʻōpae ʻula as the state shrimp. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and Kua Ulu Aumo testified in strong support, saying the designation could help protect endemic shrimp in anchialine pools and increase public education and awareness. In response to questions, DLNR said it would use existing education programs, press releases, and partnerships for statewide outreach and was not seeking a separate appropriation for that purpose. Members then took up SCR 132 and SR 111, which encourage adoption of recommendations from the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Rapa Nui Summit Declaration on climate justice and sustainable development. Greenpeace Hawaii supported the measures, arguing that plastic production is tied to fossil fuel interests and that microplastics pose serious health and environmental risks. The committee later adopted the measures with amendments, including a change from “waste hierarchy” to “zero waste hierarchy” and technical edits. The final measures, SCR 157 and SR 127, urged the state to adopt and implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. DLNR testified that it had only just reviewed the resolution but stood on its written testimony. The committee passed SCR 157 and SR 127 as is. The meeting also included a separate hearing on SCR 89 and SR 72, which would create a University of Hawaiʻi Community College pathway for meat processing. The Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council supported the idea, citing workforce needs and local protein supply, while several members raised concerns about whether a formal educational pathway or degree requirement might unnecessarily limit entry into the field; discussion focused on whether the proposal should be more vocational and whether there is enough data on workforce demand. No final vote on those measures was shown in the transcript excerpt.
AZ
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And whereas, as the former president of the Arizona Cattle Growers Association and the past president
  • of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Andy Grosetta has been the voice of the cattle industry
  • for... ...the voice of the cattle industry for decades.
  • And, you know, prior to meeting him, all I knew about ranching and cattle growers is the steaks that
  • And so also the president of the Yavapai Cattle Growers team...
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sarah Lee Davison of Tucson. Members also introduced numerous guests and advocacy groups, including Aliento students for Education Day, gun violence prevention advocates, agricultural producers, military veterans, and representatives from the Kino Border Initiative and Nucor Steel. A proclamation honoring the life of Peter Andrew “Andy” Grosetta was read, recognizing his long service to Arizona ranching and the cattle industry. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered two bills. HB 2074, dealing with reporting related to partial-birth abortion, received an adopted Judiciary Committee amendment that changed the penalty to a class six felony and then was recommended do pass as amended. The bill drew sharp debate: supporters said it strengthens reporting and accountability for an already illegal procedure, while opponents argued it would criminalize health care workers and reflect punitive views toward women seeking abortion care. HB 2148, described as a transparency bill, also received an Appropriations Committee amendment and was recommended do pass as amended without significant debate. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and HB 2074 and HB 2148 were referred to engrossing. The House also announced several committee meetings for later that day and the next morning, including Appropriations, Federalism and Military Affairs, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, and Rural Economic Development, before adjourning until Thursday, January 29, 2026.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

FULL INTERVIEW: Offering Students More Choices | Senator Torrey Westrom Mar 27th, 2026

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, it can be cattle, but it can be other livestock as well, to the different paddocks every few weeks
  • <00:09:59.519> or<00:09:59.839> livestock the lands uh that cattle or livestock the
  • lands uh that cattle or livestock would<00:10:01.120> pasture<00:10:01.519> on.
  • > be<00:10:26.560> other<00:10:26.800> livestock<00:10:27.279> as cattle
  • but it can be other livestock as cattle but it can be other livestock as well<00:10:27.920> to
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: The interview focused on Senate File 3687, a Minnesota bill that would expand school milk choices in the National School Lunch Program. The senator said the measure is modeled on recently passed federal legislation and would allow schools to offer whole milk, 2% milk, flavored milks, and non-dairy alternatives when requested, reversing what he described as the 2010 federal limits to skim and low-fat milk. He argued the bill is about choice rather than mandates and said it could reduce milk waste, increase student consumption, and support healthier decision-making. The senator said the bill has broad bipartisan support and only limited criticism, with the main concern in committee being whether schools would face added stocking burdens. He responded that schools would not be required to offer any specific milk and could adjust orders based on student demand. He also said the bill would benefit Minnesota dairy farmers and local economies by increasing demand for milk produced and cartoned in the state. The interview also touched on Senate File 3686, a separate proposal to create a pilot program for rotational grazing funded through the environmental trust fund. The senator described it as a small but meaningful effort to help beginning farmers, improve pasture management, and support conservation lands, with grants covering up to 50% of fencing or grassland establishment costs, capped at $25,000 per recipient. The segment ended with a lighthearted milk tasting, reinforcing the theme of offering more choices.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

House Standing Committee BR Sub on General Government (2-27-25)

Transcript Highlights:
  • instance in eastern Kentucky, where it has washed out their entire hay crops, but they still have cattle
  • <00:08:40.800> they've<00:08:40.959> got but they still have cattle they've got but
  • they still have cattle they've got to<00:08:41.120> feed<00:08:41.360> for<00:08:41.479
  • <00:09:07.399> needs<00:09:08.079> uh<00:09:08.160> for<00:09:08.480> cattle
  • <00:09:08.720> industry or the hay needs uh for cattle industry or the hay needs uh for cattle
Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19 Department of Agriculture 00:01:29, 958, all
Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met with Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to discuss the Department of Agriculture’s current budget priorities and the impact of recent legislative investments. Shell praised funding for the Farms to Food Bank program, saying it helps food banks serve Kentuckians, especially seniors, while also supporting farmers. He also highlighted County Fair Grant funding, noting a $250,000 increase helped finance a record nine county fair projects, and he described the Raising Hope rural mental health, suicide prevention, and farm safety program as life-saving, citing one event in Owensboro where 14 people were sent to the hospital after health screenings. Shell also addressed emergency preparedness and bird flu response, saying the department’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response is working effectively and that Kentucky has not had affected commercial or backyard flocks, only some wild geese cases. He discussed federal efforts to address egg prices and avian influenza, including biosecurity, farmer relief, and research funding, and said he expects those actions to affect prices in the coming months. He also urged the committee to codify Senate Bill 28 and referenced House Joint Resolution 371, which he said would allow the department to retain $5 million for rural economic development efforts aimed at attracting processors and other large-scale operations. In response to questions from Representative Hart, Shell said the department’s disaster role is mainly to coordinate response plans and identify agricultural needs for state and federal relief, rather than provide direct relief funding itself. He said recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky has mainly affected hay supplies for livestock producers, and that the department is working with the Cattlemen’s Association and UK Extension to locate affected farmers and secure hay donations. Shell closed by asking for continued support for agriculture economic development and for improved staff recruitment and retention, saying the department struggles to compete with other state agencies for employees. The meeting ended with thanks and adjournment, with the next meeting announced for the following Thursday.