Press Releases

 Today, Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer held a public hearing entitled, “The Next Farm Bill: Livestock Producer Perspectives.”  This hearing continues the series of House Agriculture Committee hearings that set the stage for the next farm bill.  This hearing provided representatives from four of the major livestock producer groups the opportunity to discuss their experiences with current programs, challenges facing the industry and priorities for the upcoming farm bill. 

“From onerous federal rules and regulations to cattle fever ticks to foot-and-mouth disease, it’s no secret our nation’s livestock producers are facing numerous, serious challenges,” said David Rouzer, Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.  “As we gear up for the FY2018 Farm Bill, it is vital to hear firsthand how all of these issues impact the operations and production of our livestock and which USDA programs and initiatives are helpful in mitigating these harmful impacts so that we can make the necessary modifications to the FY2018 Farm Bill to alleviate some of the challenges our farm families and communities face.”

During the hearing, witnesses discussed the catastrophic economic loss our producers would face in the event of a major viral outbreak, such as Foot-and-Mouth disease and avian influenza.  Witnesses also expressed significant financial challenges as a result of the USDA’s advancement of three flawed rules, commonly referred to as the GIPSA rules. 

Among the four witnesses testifying at the hearing was Mr. David Herring, Vice President of National Pork Producers Council, of Newton Grove, North Carolina.  Other witnesses include:  Mr. Craig Uden, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Mr. Carl Wittenburg, Chairman of the National Turkey Federation; and, Mr. Bob Buchholz, Region V Executive Board Representatives from the American Sheep Industry Association.

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