Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocates for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2024. Our priorities include the following: First and foremost the protection of the federal crop insurance program. We oppose any ties and/or connections of climate focused practices to federal crop insurance programs including incentive programs. Reform USDA disaster programs to provide better flexibility in the event of natural disasters. Increase funding for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Assistance Program (MAP). Maintain the current prioritization of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding being targeted to livestock producers. Ensure Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres are focused on protecting marginal and highly erodible/non-productive lands. Create programs that encourage water conservation throughout the High Plains Aquifer. Farmers and ranchers continue to navigate disrupted supply chains and logistic challenges. Language included in various infrastructure proposals will benefit agriculture by expanding broadband, modernizing surface and inland water way transportation routes, and provide additional assistance within USDA conservation programs. Carbon markets and programs have been a point of conversation. As congress continues to debate the appropriate role for carbon programs, Kansas Farm Bureau will continue to monitor and protect agriculture that takes place in a semi-arid environment. Not every producer can successfully grow a cover crop. Many Kansas producers ranch on native pastures in the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills and the Gyp Hills. Ensuring these ranchers can participate in carbon programs will be key moving forward. Ongoing and expanding drought conditions throughout 2023 and continuing into 2024 are reducing crop yields, limiting pasture and grass growth. Many fall 2023 crops including corn, soybeans and grain sorghum were a total loss in 2023. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture. Other issues we are following include, Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act Support for H.R. 7062/S. 3661 - the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 Support for H.R. 7015 - the Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act

Client expense: $20,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support S.1867 and H.R. 3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act

Client expense: $25,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024; opposition to restricting USDA rulemaking and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support for retaining funds from merger filing fees for antitrust enforcement. H.R.7444 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. H.R.6661 - Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing USDA's Rural Cooperative and Development Grants (RCDG) to better serve underserved rural communities. H.R.3904 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. H.R.7769 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. H.R.8052 - Year-Round E15 Act of 2024; support for allowing the year-round sale of E15 in certain states in 2024. H.R.8544 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. H.R.530 - Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act; issues pertaining to limiting livestock auction market owners from holding an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of meatpacking plants. H.R.8467 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024; issues pertaining to passing a 2024 farm bill that supports family farmers and ranchers and strengthens food security. H.R.9787 - Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act of 2024; support for restricting eligibility for the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) to domestically produced feedstocks; support for extending the tax credit through 2034. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. S.J.Res. 62 - Disapproval of the Rule relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef from Paraguay"; support for reinstating the ban on beef imports from Paraguay. S.3309 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. S.2458 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. S.4018 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. S.4422 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. S.2340 - Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act of 2023; support for establishing a federal program that strengthens land, capital, and market access for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. S.Res.71 - A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; support for the resolution. S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. S.4963 - Wildlife-Agriculture Disease Prevention Act of 2024; support for establishing a Wildlife-Agriculture Disease Coordinator within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to prevent and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks. S.1237 - Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act of 2023; support for exempting family farms and small businesses with less than 100 full-time employees from reporting land and equipment as assets during student financial aid contribution calculations. S.5106 - Livestock Owned by Communities to Advance Local Foods Act; support for exemptions for certain small-scale operators from several meat inspection regulations. S.5145 - Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act of 2024; support for restricting eligibility for the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) to domestically produced feedstocks; support for extending the tax credit through 2034. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs. Issues pertaining to the distribution, sale, and use of dicamba herbicide products. Issues pertaining to support for returning the Class I mover formula to the "higher-of" the Class III or IV calculations. Issues pertaining to conditions for make allowance changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings. Issues pertaining to implementation of the Sustainability Targets in Agriculture to Incentivize Natural Solutions (SUSTAINS) Act.

Farm Bill Reauthorization AMS - Mandatory Price Reporting CFTC price volatility oversight Commodity Credit Corporation Conservation Program implementation Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Partnership for Climate Smart Agriculture Crop Insurance Livestock Disaster Aid Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Regional Partnership Program (RCPP) H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) funding Support for H.R. 7062/S. 3661 - the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 Support for H.R. 7015 - the Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act NASS Report Cancellations

Client expense: $350,000 · Firm income: Not reported

FARM BILL: - Asked House Members to support H.R.8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act otherwise known as farm bill. - Encouraged Senate Members to ask Chairwoman Stabenow to release text. - Listened to Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman speak at an AFBF conference on the status of farm bill in the Senate and the strategy moving forward. - Addressed concerns over Title IV - Nutrition - of H.R. 8467 otherwise known as farm bill. - Asked PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking for their legislator to pass a farm bill ASAP and include a legislative fix to Prop 12. - Worked with AFBF on securing votes for farm bill by communicating how conversations went during meetings with legislators and/or staff. - Met with PA delegation's offices to discuss farm bill and a legislative fix to Prop 12. Discussed need to be passed on time and Farm Bureau priorities. Listened to legislators' concerns with farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. See Section 24 - Trade - of this report for information on lobbying efforts for Prop 12. - Signed onto coalition letter supporting farm bill in August. - Asked PA House Republican delegation to sign onto Dear Colleague letter to House Leadership asking them to bring farm bill to the floor. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - No bill # yet, the Farm Ownership Improvement Act, which would require USDA to implement a pre-qualification or pre-approval process for all farmers and ranchers seeking FSA Direct Farm Ownership loans. - S.4168/H.R.4838, the Specialty Crop Security Act, which would increase USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program authorization from $85 to $100 million per year and expand opportunities for specialty crop stakeholders to provide input into how program funding is used by state departments of agriculture. - S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act, which would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. - S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, which would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. - S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. - S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.2614/H.R.8488, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. - H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act, which would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.2371/H.R.3139, the ACRE Act, which would exclude from the gross income of certain financial lending institutions, for income tax purposes, interest received on loans secured by rural or agricultural real estate. - S.5101, the Farmer Driven Conservation Outcomes Act, which would authorize USDA to measure, assess, and report on the outcomes associated with its conservation programs. - S.4219/H.R.8210, the Future Farmers and Ranchers of Tomorrow Act, which would revise USDAs qualified beginning farmer or rancher definition to allow non-related beginning farmers and ranchers in joint entities to be eligible for FSA loans. - S.1842/H.R.6687, the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, which would would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of animal food additives. - S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act, which would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. - H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act, which would require USDA to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. OTHER: - Reviewed the following rulemakings from USDA: Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0046); Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-22-0046); Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0044); and Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0045). - Advocacy work on the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). Reviewed USDA's Recommended Decision for the FMMOs (Docket #: AMS-DA-23-0031). Specifically, supported a switchback either by USDA or Congress for the higher of in Class I milk. Additionally, asked Congress Members to support requiring mandatory audited surveying for make allowance changes in the FMMOs. - Reviewed Chevron Deference case to determine the impact it will have on ag. Supported SCOTUS' decision. Signed onto coalition letter to President Biden to urge suspension of regulatory activity until they review the Loper decision. - Emailed Meuser's office that PFB supports Land O Lakes conservation project. - Reviewed Secretary Vilsack's response letter to Rep. Deluzio's meat processing consolidation letter as a result of a roundtable with Beaver/Lawrence County FB.

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocates for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2024. Our priorities include the following: First and foremost the protection of the federal crop insurance program. We oppose any ties and/or connections of climate focused practices to federal crop insurance programs including incentive programs. Reform USDA disaster programs to provide better flexibility in the event of natural disasters. Increase funding for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Assistance Program (MAP). Maintain the current prioritization of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding being targeted to livestock producers. Ensure Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres are focused on protecting marginal and highly erodible/non-productive lands. Create programs that encourage water conservation throughout the High Plains Aquifer. Farmers and ranchers continue to navigate disrupted supply chains and logistic challenges. Language included in various infrastructure proposals will benefit agriculture by expanding broadband, modernizing surface and inland water way transportation routes, and provide additional assistance within USDA conservation programs. Carbon markets and programs have been a point of conversation. As congress continues to debate the appropriate role for carbon programs, Kansas Farm Bureau will continue to monitor and protect agriculture that takes place in a semi-arid environment. Not every producer can successfully grow a cover crop. Many Kansas producers ranch on native pastures in the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills and the Gyp Hills. Ensuring these ranchers can participate in carbon programs will be key moving forward. Ongoing and expanding drought conditions throughout 2023 and continuing into 2024 are reducing crop yields, limiting pasture and grass growth. Many fall 2023 crops including corn, soybeans and grain sorghum were a total loss in 2023. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture. Other issues we are following include, Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act Support for H.R. 7062/S. 3661 - the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 Support for H.R. 7015 - the Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024; opposition to restricting USDA rulemaking and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support for retaining funds from merger filing fees for antitrust enforcement. H.R.7444 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. H.R.6661 - Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing USDA's Rural Cooperative and Development Grants (RCDG) to better serve underserved rural communities. H.R.3904 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. H.R.7769 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. H.R.8052 - Year-Round E15 Act of 2024; support for allowing the year-round sale of E15 in certain states in 2024. H.R.8544 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. H.R.530 - Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act; issues pertaining to limiting livestock auction market owners from holding an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of meatpacking plants. H.R.8467 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024; issues pertaining to passing a 2024 farm bill that supports family farmers and ranchers and strengthens food security. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. S.J.Res. 62 - Disapproval of the Rule relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef from Paraguay"; support for reinstating the ban on beef imports from Paraguay. S.3309 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. S.2458 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. S.4018 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. S.4422 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. S.2340 - Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act of 2023; support for establishing a federal program that strengthens land, capital, and market access for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. S.Res.71 - A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; support for the resolution. S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs. Issues pertaining to the distribution, sale, and use of dicamba herbicide products. Issues pertaining to support for returning the Class I mover formula to the "higher-of" the Class III or IV calculations. Issues pertaining to conditions for make allowance changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings.

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024; opposition to restricting USDA rulemaking and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support for retaining funds from merger filing fees for antitrust enforcement. H.R.7444 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. H.R.6661 - Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing USDA's Rural Cooperative and Development Grants (RCDG) to better serve underserved rural communities. H.R.3904 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. H.R.7769 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. H.R.8052 - Year-Round E15 Act of 2024; support for allowing the year-round sale of E15 in certain states in 2024. H.R.8544 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. H.R.8467 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024; issues pertaining to passing a 2024 farm bill that supports family farmers and ranchers and strengthens food security. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. S.J.Res. 62 - Disapproval of the Rule relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef from Paraguay"; support for reinstating the ban on beef imports from Paraguay. S.3309 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. S.2458 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. S.4018 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. S.4422 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. S.2340 - Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act of 2023; support for establishing a federal program that strengthens land, capital, and market access for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. S.Res.71 - A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; support for the resolution. S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs. Issues pertaining to the distribution, sale, and use of dicamba herbicide products. Issues pertaining to support for returning the Class I mover formula to the "higher-of" the Class III or IV calculations. Issues pertaining to conditions for make allowance changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings.

FARM BILL: - Asked House Members to support H.R.8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act otherwise known as farm bill. - Monitored, tracked, and gave positions when asked on amendments during the markup of H.R.8467 on May 23. - Encouraged Senate Members to ask Chairwoman Stabenow to release text. - Listened to Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman speak at an AFBF conference on the status of farm bill in the Senate and the strategy moving forward. - Signed onto coalition letter that supported the sugar program changes in H.R.8467 otherwise known as farm bill. - Addressed concerns over Title IV - Nutrition - of H.R. 8467 otherwise known as farm bill. - Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking for Congress to pass a farm bill ASAP and include a legislative fix to Prop 12. - Worked with AFBF on securing votes for farm bill by communicating how conversations went during meetings with legislators and/or staff. - President Hoffman met with PA delegation on May 8 primarily talking about farm bill and to include a legislative fix to Prop 12. Discussed need to be passed on time and Farm Bureau priorities. Listened to legislators' concerns with farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. See Section 24 - Trade - of this report for information on lobbying efforts for Prop 12. - Bailey Fisher also met with legislator's staff throughout the quarter to discuss farm bill priorities and Prop 12. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.4168/H.R.4838, the Specialty Crop Security Act, which would increase USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program authorization from $85 to $100 million per year and expand opportunities for specialty crop stakeholders to provide input into how program funding is used by state departments of agriculture. - S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act, which would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. - S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, which would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. - S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. - S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.2614/H.R.8488, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. - H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act, which would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4219/H.R.8210, the Future Farmers and Ranchers of Tomorrow Act, which would revise USDAs qualified beginning farmer or rancher definition to allow non-related beginning farmers and ranchers in joint entities to be eligible for FSA loans. - S.1842/H.R.6687, the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, which would would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of animal food additives. - S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act, which would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. - H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act, which would require USDA to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. OTHER: - Attended Representative Deluzio's agricultural roundtable to discuss PFB priorities (farm bill, Prop 12, ag labor reform, whole milk in schools, etc.) - Attended Representative Wild's agricultural roundtable to discuss PFB priorities (farm bill, Prop 12, ag labor reform, whole milk in schools, etc.) - Reviewed the following rulemakings from USDA: Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0046); Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-22-0046); Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0044); and Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Docket #: AMS-FTPP-21-0045). - Emailed Representative Meuser's office that PFB is supportive of a Congressional letter to urge USDA to weigh the interests of our mushroom industry very heavily in their consideration of new organics standards. - Had discussions with AFBF about taking a position on the Organic Imports Verification Act. The bill has yet to be introduced. - Emailed letter to RMA asking for PA to have the opportunity for double crop soybean insurance. - Emailed Representative Kelly's office that PFB is neutral on a bill that would help producers doing vertical farming due to the absence of policy. - Advocacy work on the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). Specifically, supported a switchback either by USDA or Congress for the higher of in Class I milk. Additionally, asked Congress Members to support requiring mandatory audited surveying for make allowance changes in the FMMOs.

Farm Bill Reauthorization AMS - Mandatory Price Reporting CFTC price volatility oversight Commodity Credit Corporation Conservation Program implementation Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Partnership for Climate Smart Agriculture Crop Insurance Livestock Disaster Aid Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Regional Partnership Program (RCPP) H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act HR 4173 Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) funding Support for H.R. 7062/S. 3661 - the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 Support for H.R. 7015 - the Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act NASS Report Cancellations

Client expense: $370,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocates for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2024. Our priorities include the following: First and foremost the protection of the federal crop insurance program. We oppose any ties and/or connections of climate focused practices to federal crop insurance programs including incentive programs. Reform USDA disaster programs to provide better flexibility in the event of natural disasters. Increase funding for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Assistance Program (MAP). Maintain the current prioritization of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding being targeted to livestock producers. Ensure Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres are focused on protecting marginal and highly erodible/non-productive lands. Create programs that encourage water conservation throughout the High Plains Aquifer. Farmers and ranchers continue to navigate disrupted supply chains and logistic challenges. Language included in various infrastructure proposals will benefit agriculture by expanding broadband, modernizing surface and inland water way transportation routes, and provide additional assistance within USDA conservation programs. Carbon markets and programs have been a point of conversation. As congress continues to debate the appropriate role for carbon programs, Kansas Farm Bureau will continue to monitor and protect agriculture that takes place in a semi-arid environment. Not every producer can successfully grow a cover crop. Many Kansas producers ranch on native pastures in the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills and the Gyp Hills. Ensuring these ranchers can participate in carbon programs will be key moving forward. Ongoing and expanding drought conditions throughout 2023 and continuing into 2024 are reducing crop yields, limiting pasture and grass growth. Many fall 2023 crops including corn, soybeans and grain sorghum were a total loss in 2023. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture. Other issues we are following include, Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act Support for H.R. 7062/S. 3661 - the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 Support for H.R. 7015 - the Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act

Support S.1867 and H.R. 3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act

Client expense: $110,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024; opposition to restricting USDA rulemaking and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support for retaining funds from merger filing fees for antitrust enforcement. H.R.7444 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. S.J.Res. 62 - Disapproval of the Rule relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef from Paraguay"; support for reinstating the ban on beef imports from Paraguay. S.3309 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs. Issues pertaining to the distribution, sale, and use of dicamba herbicide products. Issues pertaining to support for returning the Class I mover formula to the "higher-of" the Class III or IV calculations. Issues pertaining to conditions for make allowance changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings.

FARM BILL: - Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on farm bill. - Discussed need to be passed on time, supporting a one-year extension, Farm Bureau priorities. - Listened to legislators' concerns with farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. - Encouraged PFB members to complete AFBF's advocacy email asking for Congress to pass a farm bill ASAP and include a legislative fix to prop 12. - President Hoffman met with PA delegation on 2/6, 2/7, and 2/8 primarily talking about farm bill and to include a legislative fix to prop 12. ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, which would mandate cost and yield surveying of processors to participate in the NDPSR survey every two years. - S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act, which would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. - S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, which would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. - S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. - S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, which would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. - S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, which would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. - S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act, which would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. - S.2614, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. - H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act, which would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act, which would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.1842/H.R.6687, the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act, would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a new category of animal food additives. - Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act, which would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. - Monitored H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act, which would require USDA to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. OTHER: - Drafted letter to RMA asking for PA to have the opportunity for double crop soybean insurance. - Signed onto letter to USDA asking for an emergency authorization to return the higher of for Class I milk pricing.

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocated for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2024. While this was not successful we are appreciative of the 1-year extension. Our priorities include the following: First and foremost the protection of the federal crop insurance program. We oppose any ties and/or connections of climate focused practices to federal crop insurance programs including incentive programs. Reform USDA disaster programs to provide better flexibility in the event of natural disasters. Increase funding for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Assistance Program (MAP). Maintain the current prioritization of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding being targeted to livestock producers. Ensure Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres are focused on protecting marginal and highly erodible/non-productive lands. Create programs that encourage water conservation throughout the High Plains Aquifer. Farmers and ranchers continue to navigate disrupted supply chains and logistic challenges. Language included in various infrastructure proposals will benefit agriculture by expanding broadband, modernizing surface and inland water way transportation routes, and provide additional assistance within USDA conservation programs. Carbon markets and programs have been a point of conversation. As congress continues to debate the appropriate role for carbon programs, Kansas Farm Bureau will continue to monitor and protect agriculture that takes place in a semi-arid environment. Not every producer can successfully grow a cover crop. Many Kansas producers ranch on native pastures in the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills and the Gyp Hills. Ensuring these ranchers can participate in carbon programs will be key moving forward. Ongoing and expanding drought conditions throughout 2023 and continuing into 2024 are reducing crop yields, limiting pasture and grass growth. Many fall 2023 crops including corn, soybeans and grain sorghum were a total loss in 2023. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture. Other issues we are following include, Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act Support for H.R. 7062/S. 3661 - the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 Support for H.R. 7015 - the Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act

Farm Bill Reauthorization AMS - Mandatory Price Reporting CFTC price volatility oversight Commodity Credit Corporation Conservation Program implementation Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Partnership for Climate Smart Agriculture Crop Insurance Livestock Disaster Aid Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Regional Partnership Program (RCPP) H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act HR 4173 Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) funding Support for H.R. 7062/S. 3661 - the Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2024 Support for H.R. 7015 - the Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act

Client expense: $340,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Support S.1867 and H.R. 3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act

Client expense: $60,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs.

Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on the 2023 Farm Bill. Discussed need to be passed on time, supporting a one-year extension, Farm Bureau priorities (AFBF, PFB, and Northeast state Farm Bureaus), and listened to legislators' current concerns with provisions in the farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT) and Chrissy Houlahan (R-PA). This bill would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR). This bill would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA). This bill would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA). This bill would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) and Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN). This bill would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives James Baird (R-IN) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. Asked PA Senate Members to support S.2614, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). This bill would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ). This bill would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Ann Kuster (D-NH). This bill would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.4856, the GusNIP Expansion Act by Representatives Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI). This bill would enhance and expand the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which awards competitive grant funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that provide incentives to income-eligible consumers to increase their purchase of fruits and vegetables. Monitored H.R.1624, the Puppy Protection Act by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and James McGovern (D-MA). Worked on testimony for PFB at USDA's federal milk marketing orders hearing. Had discussions with AFBF on what to include in PFB's testimony for the federal milk marketing orders. Conducted Hill visits with President Hoffman on 10/24, 10/25, 12/11, and 12/14 primarily talking about farm bill and proposition 12. President Hoffman met with Representative "GT" Thompson and Region 3 EPA Administrator on 12/21 to discuss current environmental issues impacting agriculture.

Support S.1867 and H.R. 3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

2023 Farm Bill GIPSA - Farm Fair practices rule AMS - Mandatory Price Reporting CFTC price volatility oversight Cell-Base proteins Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Commodity Credit Corporation Conservation Program implementation Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Partnership for Climate Smart Agriculture Crop Insurance Livestock Disaster Aid Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Regional Partnership Program (RCPP) H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act HR 4173 Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program

Client expense: $300,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on the 2023 Farm Bill. Discussed need to be passed on time, Farm Bureau priorities (AFBF, PFB, and Northeast state Farm Bureaus), and listened to legislators' current concerns with provisions in the farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. Testified at a federal farm bill hearing hosted by PA House and Senate Ag. Chairman Thompson and Ag Committee staff were present to hear PFB's farm bill asks. Listened to Chairman Thompson's Farm Bill Listening Session at the Allentown Fair. Op-ed was published written by President Hoffman on nutrition access in farm bill. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT) and Chrissy Houlahan (R-PA). This bill would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR). This bill would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA). This bill would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Dan Meuser (R-PA). This bill would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY). This bill would initiate a Federal Order Hearing within 180 days in addition to giving USDA the needed authority to cost survey dairy product manufacturers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2458/H.R.3904, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) and Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN). This bill would help our next generation of farmers by aligning the definition of Beginning Farmers to match that of other USDA programs - 10 crop years or less instead of the status quo of 5 crop years or less. Signed onto letter supporting S.2458/H.R.3904. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.1400/H.R.3036, the Increased TSP Access Act by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives James Baird (R-IN) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). This bill would help streamline the technical service provider (TSP) certification at NRCS and leverage the programs and technical expertise of NRCS to make conservation programs available to more farmers and on more land. Asked PA Senate Members to support S.2614, the Farmer to Farmer Education Act by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). This bill would allow farmer-to-farmer groups to develop cooperative agreements with USDA to share conservation concepts and new practices. Signed onto letter supporting S.2614. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.658/H.R.5252, the EQIP Improvement Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ). This bill would create severe consequences to the EQIP program for animal agriculture operations by targeting livestock operations conservation project funding. Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.2631/H.R.3424, the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Ann Kuster (D-NH). This bill would prevent the conversion of forests into non-forest areas by authorizing funding to purchase development rights from willing private landowners. Informed PA House and Senate Members that Farm Bureau remains neutral on S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) and Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Jared Golden (D-ME). This bill would exempt from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses. Worked on testimony for PFB at USDA's federal milk marketing orders hearing. Had discussions with AFBF on what to include in PFB's testimony for the federal milk marketing orders. Conducted Hill visits with President Hoffman the week of July 10th, primarily talking about farm bill. Conducted a fly-in visit on September 13 and 14th with PFB members to visits with their legislators and advocate for PFB's priorities: farm bill, dairy, waters of the U.S., ag labor, PFAS, and sustainability. Asked PA House Members to sign onto Representative Jackson's letter to Secretary Vilsack regarding USDA's delay in distributing the disaster assistance funds that were appropriated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2022 crop losses.

Support S.1867 and H.R. 3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs.

2023 Farm Bill GIPSA - Farm Fair practices rule AMS - Mandatory Price Reporting CFTC price volatility oversight Cell-Base proteins Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Commodity Credit Corporation Conservation Program implementation Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Partnership for Climate Smart Agriculture Crop Insurance Livestock Disaster Aid Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Regional Partnership Program (RCPP) H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act HR 4173 Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program

Client expense: $310,000 · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 3848: The Housing Our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023 S. 1469: Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors Act H.R. 3922: the TAP Promotion Act H.R. 2935: The Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Select Parity Act H.R. 1763: The Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023 H.R. XXX: The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Restoration Act H.R. 2693: The Pay Our Coast Guard Act of 2023 S. XXX: The Military Housing Readiness Council Act

Client expense: $190,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Had several conversations with PA House and Senate Members on the 2023 Farm Bill. Discussed need to be passed on time, Farm Bureau priorities (AFBF, PFB, and Northeast state Farm Bureaus), and listened to legislators' current concerns with provisions in the farm bill as well as their individual priorities for the legislation. Submitted PFB's 2023 Farm Bill asks to House and Senate Ag Committee staff. Participated in a federal farm bill stakeholder roundtable hosted by PA Department of Agriculture. Feedback and comments were used by Secretary Redding in his meeting with Chairman Thompson. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.980/H.R.3755, the Industrial Hemp Act by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT-02) and Chrissy Houlahan (R-PA-06). This bill would exempt farmers exclusively growing industrial hemp from the burdensome background checks and costly sampling and testing protocols required for farmers growing cannabinoid hemp like that used in the extraction of CBD. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1867/H.R.3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-5). This bill would direct USDA to authorize and prioritize projects that address the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1837/H.R.3867, the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). This bill would designate spotted lanternflies as a high priority pest under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to direct more federal research dollars to combat these devastating insects. Participated in a stakeholder roundtable event on H.R.3867. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1816/H.R.3815, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09). This bill would require a USDA study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor S.1014/H.R.1756, the Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23). This bill would initiate a Federal Order Hearing within 180 days in addition to giving USDA the needed authority to cost survey dairy product manufacturers. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support and co-sponsor H.R.2728, the Young Farmer Success Act by Representatives "GT" Thompson (R-PA-15) and Joe Courtney (D-CT-02). This bill would make certain farmers and ranchers eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Drafted statement of support from PFB's President for H.R.2728. Had discussions with AFBF on what to include to USDA in Farm Bureau's proposal for the federal milk marketing orders. Had meetings with Senator Fetterman's office to discuss their efforts on a letter to USTR expressing trade concerns with the HPAI vaccine and introducing legislation to combat mislabeling of egg alternatives. Conducted a fly-in visit on June 21st with PFB members to visits with their legislators and advocate PFB's priorities: farm bill, dairy, waters of the U.S., ag labor, PFAS, and sustainability.

Support S.1867 and H.R. 3922, the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act

Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

2023 Farm Bill GIPSA - Farm Fair practices rule AMS - Mandatory Price Reporting CFTC price volatility oversight Cell-Base proteins Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Commodity Credit Corporation Conservation Program implementation Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Partnership for Climate Smart Agriculture Crop Insurance Livestock Disaster Aid Growing Climate Solutions Act Implementation Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Regional Partnership Program (RCPP) H.R. 1756 - Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 S. 719/H.R. 1495 Precision Ag Loan Act S. 1736 Farmers First Act of 2023 (Reauthorization of FRSAN) S. 1867/H.R. 3922 Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act

Client expense: $385,000 · Firm income: Not reported

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs.

H.R. 3848: The Housing Our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023 S. 1469: Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors Act H.R. 3922: the TAP Promotion Act H.R. 2935: The Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Select Parity Act H.R. 1763: The Military Family Nutrition Access Act of 2023 H.R. XXX: The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Restoration Act H.R. 2693: The Pay Our Coast Guard Act of 2023 S. XXX: The Military Housing Readiness Council Act

Client expense: $190,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE