Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments.

General engagement on USDA's expected future regulation on Packers & Stockyards Act requirements. General education on the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and the impact of the recent court ruling striking down the line speed provisions of the rule. Advocating for USDA to quickly implement its Time Limited Trial of higher line speeds in NSIS plants. General education on the importance of immigrant labor for the agriculture industry workforce. Seeking additional funding for National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Vaccine and Countermeasures Bank, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and National Veterinary Stockpile. S.759/H.R. 1480 - Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, all provisions. General education about animal health priorities in future Farm Bills. Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, 87 FR 34980. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 87 FR 60010. Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products With U.S.-Origin Claims, 88 FR 15290. S.2019/H.R. 4417 - Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act. H.Res.588 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. S.1666/H.R. 3419 - Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023. H.R. 4368/S.2131 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R.5631/S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023, all provisions. S.557/H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023, all provisions. H.R.5860 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Also provisions reauthorizing FDA Animal Drug User Fees. H.R.1418 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023. S.1844 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023. S.3386 - A bill to temporarily suspend the importation of beef and beef products from Paraguay and to require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the threat to food safety and animal health posed by beef imported from Paraguay, and for other purposes. H.J.Res.115 - Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Agriculture relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay". S.J.Res.62 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay". H.R.5106 - To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to publish criteria for the review of requests by certain meat or poultry establishments to operate at alternate inspection rates, to review and respond to such requests, and for other purposes. H.R.7024 - Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. African swine fever prevention.

Client expense: $610,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Customs & Border Protection

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1666/H.R.3419, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.Res.588, which would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. - S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, which would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs. These are programs overseen by USDA to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which 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. - S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. OTHER: - Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. - Signed onto New York Farm Bureau letter to USDA addressing H5N1 concerns otherwise known as HPAI in dairy cattle.

General engagement on USDA's expected future regulation on Packers & Stockyards Act requirements. General education on the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and the impact of the recent court ruling striking down the line speed provisions of the rule. Advocating for USDA to quickly implement its Time Limited Trial of higher line speeds in NSIS plants. General education on the importance of immigrant labor for the agriculture industry workforce. Seeking additional funding for National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Vaccine and Countermeasures Bank, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and National Veterinary Stockpile. S.759/H.R. 1480 - Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, all provisions. General education about animal health priorities in future Farm Bills. Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, 87 FR 34980. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 87 FR 60010. Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products With U.S.-Origin Claims, 88 FR 15290. S.2019/H.R. 4417 - Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act. H.Res.588 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. S.1666/H.R. 3419 - Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023. H.R. 4368/S.2131 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R.5631/S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023, all provisions. S.557/H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023, all provisions. H.R.5860 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Also provisions reauthorizing FDA Animal Drug User Fees. H.R.1418 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023. S.1844 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023. S.3386 - A bill to temporarily suspend the importation of beef and beef products from Paraguay and to require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the threat to food safety and animal health posed by beef imported from Paraguay, and for other purposes. H.J.Res.115 - Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Agriculture relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay". S.J.Res.62 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef From Paraguay". H.R.5106 - To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to publish criteria for the review of requests by certain meat or poultry establishments to operate at alternate inspection rates, to review and respond to such requests, and for other purposes. H.R.7024 - Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.1666/H.R.3419, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act, which would increase funding to fight foreign animal disease and extend authorization for the Animal Health Protection Act through 2028. - S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act, which would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. - H.Res.588, which would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. - S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act, which would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.907/H.R.2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, which 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. - S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act, which would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs. These are programs overseen by USDA to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. OTHER: Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. - Informed Hill staffers that PFB is supportive of Rep. Clyde's letter to protect poultry farmers from unfair trade restrictions - namely from China - due to WOAHs outdated definition of poultry. - Participated in prop 12 roundtable led by Chairman "GT" Thompson with other House Members.

Monitor implementation of P.L. 115-334, the Agriculture Act of 2018. Monitor progress of Livestock Mandatory Reporting Reauthorization. Monitor progress of S.949, "A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to foster efficient markets and increase competition and transparency among packers that purchase livestock from producers." Monitor progress of H.R. 4103 / S.2036, "To amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to establish the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters, and for other purposes." General engagement on USDA's expected future regulation on Packers & Stockyards Act requirements. General education on the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and the impact of the recent court ruling striking down the line speed provisions of the rule. Advocating for USDA to quickly implement its Time Limited Trial of higher line speeds in NSIS plants. General education on the importance of immigrant labor for the agriculture industry workforce. Monitor implementation of P.L. 116-122, Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019, all provisions. Monitor implementation of P.L. 116-260, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Monitor implementation of P.L. 117-2, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Monitor progress of H.R. 1977, "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income interest received on certain loans secured by agricultural real property." General education on agricultural infrastructure priorities. Seeking additional funding for National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Vaccine and Countermeasures Bank, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and National Veterinary Stockpile. S.759/H.R. 1480 - Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, all provisions. Monitor implementation of H.R. 5376 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. General education on the need for Livestock Gross Margin reform. General education about animal health priorities in future Farm Bills. Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, 87 FR 34980. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 87 FR 60010. Monitor implementation of H.R. 2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products With U.S.-Origin Claims, 88 FR 15290. H.R. 4417 - To prevent States and local jurisdictions from interfering with the production and distribution of agricultural products in interstate commerce, and for other purposes. S.2019 - Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act. H.Res.588 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. S.1666/H.R. 3419 - Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023. H.R. 4368/S.2131 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R.5631/S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023, all provisions. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023, all provisions. H.R.5860 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Also provisions reauthorizing FDA Animal Drug User Fees. H.R.1418 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023. S.1844 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023.

Supported S. 2862, the American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023 Supported S. 2786, the Farmers Market Expansion Act of 2023 Supported H.R. 1020, The BAITS Act Supported H.R. 3984, Feral Swine Eradication Act Supported H. Res. 588 in support of checkoffs Supported H.R. 4059, To include phosphate and potash on final critical minerals list Supported H.R. 3990, The Forest Data Modernization Act Supported S. 2523, Farm Board Act of 2023 Supported S. 2541, Mid-South Oilseed Double-Cropping Study Act of 2023 Supported S. 68, The FARM Act Supported S.926, The Protecting Americas Agricultural Land From Foreign Harm Act of 2023 Supported S. 1613, The Feral Swine Control Act Supported H.R. 6351, related to a commission on modernizing the National Agricultural Statistics Service Supported S. 3358, the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 Opposed delay of implementing USDAs Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments; Final Rule Requested revisions to USDAs Emergency Relief Program for 2022 Supported H.R. 4764, the Honey Identification Verification and Enforcement (HIVE) Act, which would require the creation of a standard of identity for honey and update the labeling requirements for honey.

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

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

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. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.3358/H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act by Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Representatives John Rose (R-TN) and Darren Soto (D-FL). This bill would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.Res.588 by Representatives Barry Moore (R-AL) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI). This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Dina Titus (D-NV). This bill would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Mark Alford (R-MO). This bill would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.J.Res.24/H.J.Res.49 by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). The bill would nullify the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat. Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. Monitored S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). This bill would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance.

Emailed Rep. Reschenthaler's office to ask to oppose Amendment #274 of the FAA reauthorization, which would designate adult rooster as HazMat for the purpose of air transport. Asked PA House Members to support H.R.1437, the Black Vulture Relief Act by Representatives John Rose (R-TN) and Darren Soto (D-FL). This bill would allow livestock producers to take black vultures without a permit if the bird is causing death or injury to their animals. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.Res.588 by Representatives Barry Moore (R-AL) and Daniel Kildee (D-MI). This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. Asked PA House and Senate Members to oppose S.557/H.R.1249, the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Dina Titus (D-NV). This bill would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.2235/H.R.5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Mark Alford (R-MO). This bill would make all poultry growers and layer operations within a HPAI control area eligible to receive payments from APHIS compensation program, rather than only flocks that test positive. Asked PA House and Senate Members to support S.J.Res.24/H.J.Res.49 by Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN). The bill would nullify the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat. Informed Sen. Fetterman's office that Farm Bureau is remaining neutral on the HPAI vaccine issue. Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. Monitored S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). This bill would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance.

Monitor implementation of P.L. 115-334, the Agriculture Act of 2018. Monitor progress of Livestock Mandatory Reporting Reauthorization. Monitor progress of S.949, "A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to foster efficient markets and increase competition and transparency among packers that purchase livestock from producers." Monitor progress of H.R. 4103 / S.2036, "To amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to establish the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters, and for other purposes." General engagement on USDA's expected future regulation on Packers & Stockyards Act requirements. General education on the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and the impact of the recent court ruling striking down the line speed provisions of the rule. Advocating for USDA to quickly implement its Time Limited Trial of higher line speeds in NSIS plants. General education on the importance of immigrant labor for the agriculture industry workforce. Monitor implementation of P.L. 116-122, Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019, all provisions. Monitor implementation of P.L. 116-260, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Monitor implementation of P.L. 117-2, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Monitor progress of H.R. 1977, "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income interest received on certain loans secured by agricultural real property." General education on agricultural infrastructure priorities. Seeking additional funding for National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Vaccine and Countermeasures Bank, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and National Veterinary Stockpile. S.759/H.R. 1480 - Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, all provisions. Monitor implementation of H.R. 5376 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. General education on the need for Livestock Gross Margin reform. General education about animal health priorities in future Farm Bills. Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, 87 FR 34980. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 87 FR 60010. Monitor implementation of H.R. 2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products With U.S.-Origin Claims, 88 FR 15290. H.R. 4417 - To prevent States and local jurisdictions from interfering with the production and distribution of agricultural products in interstate commerce, and for other purposes. S.2019 - Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act. H.Res.588 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. S.1666/H.R. 3419 - Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023. H.R. 4368/S.2131 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R.5631/S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023, all provisions. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023, all provisions. H.R.5860 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Also provisions reauthorizing FDA Animal Drug User Fees. H.R.1418 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023. S.1844 - Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023.

Supported S. 2523, Farm Board Act of 2023 Supported S. 2541, Mid-South Oilseed Double-Cropping Study Act of 2023 Supported S. 68, The FARM Act Supported S.926, The Protecting Americas Agricultural Land From Foreign Harm Act of 2023 Supported S. 1613, The Feral Swine Control Act Supported H.R. 3984, Feral Swine Eradication Act Supported H.R. 1021, The BAITS Act Supported H.R. 3990, The Forest Data Modernization Act Supported H.R. 4059, To include phosphate and potash on final critical minerals list Supported H. Res. 588 in support of checkoffs Supported H.R. 2787, To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to modify provisions relating to rural decentralized water systems grants Supported H.R. 5096, the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act Supported H.R. 5070, the USDA CROP Act of 2023 Opposed mandatory base update in next farm bill

Client expense: $90,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Had conversations with PA House and Senate members over PFB's concerns over scheduling xylazine due to animal welfare concerns. Xylazine is a commonly used animal tranquilizer used in the veterinary field, but it is now being laced with fentanyl. While PFB understands the impact it is having on fatal drug overdoses, animals rely on the drug for life saving medical procedures. Therefore, not having readily available access poses a danger to the animal's life. Monitored S.993/H.R.1839, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). This bill would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance. Asked PA House Members to support and co-sponsor H.Res.588 (no title). This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards (checkoffs) support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. Lobbied PA House and Senate Members for increased resources to help combat the most recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Client expense: $15,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Monitor implementation of P.L. 115-334, the Agriculture Act of 2018. Monitor progress of Livestock Mandatory Reporting Reauthorization. Monitor progress of S.949, "A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to foster efficient markets and increase competition and transparency among packers that purchase livestock from producers." Monitor progress of H.R. 4103 / S.2036, "To amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to establish the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters, and for other purposes." General engagement on USDA's expected future regulation on Packers & Stockyards Act requirements. General education on the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) and the impact of the recent court ruling striking down the line speed provisions of the rule. Advocating for USDA to quickly implement its Time Limited Trial of higher line speeds in NSIS plants. General education on the importance of immigrant labor for the agriculture industry workforce. Monitor implementation of P.L. 116-122, Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019, all provisions. Monitor implementation of P.L. 116-260, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Monitor implementation of P.L. 117-2, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Monitor progress of H.R. 1977, "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income interest received on certain loans secured by agricultural real property." General education on agricultural infrastructure priorities. Seeking additional funding for National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Vaccine and Countermeasures Bank, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and National Veterinary Stockpile. S.759/H.R. 1480 - Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, all provisions. Monitor implementation of H.R. 5376 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. General education on the need for Livestock Gross Margin reform. General education about animal health priorities in future Farm Bills. Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, 87 FR 34980. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act, 87 FR 60010. Monitor implementation of H.R. 2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, provisions related to agriculture, farms, and food production. Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products With U.S.-Origin Claims, 88 FR 15290. H.R. 4417 - To prevent States and local jurisdictions from interfering with the production and distribution of agricultural products in interstate commerce, and for other purposes. S.2019 - Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act. H.Res.588 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that research and promotion boards support efforts to develop new markets and strengthen existing markets for specific commodities while conducting important research and promotional activities via pooled resources and stakeholder investments. S.1666/H.R. 3419 - Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023. H.R. 4368/S.2131 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.