mr RYAN FLICKNER

General Immigration & Labor Reform Border Security H-2A Legislative Reforms Adverse Effective Wage Rate (AEWR) HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Kansas

Renewable Fuel Standard/Renewable Volume Obligation Production Tax Credits for Renewable Fuels and Renewable Energy Year around E15 Availability Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Energy generation & energy transmission siting and permitting Fertilizer availability and costs Fuel (diesel) pricing and on-road taxation

Highway Reauthorization and transportation funding Infrastructure & Inland Waterways Supply Chain Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) Hours of Service Regulations Proposed railroad mergers Fuel tax

HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Biodiesel Tax Credits Production Tax Credits for Renewable Fuels and Renewable Energy Renewable Energy Tax Credits Fuel tax Capital Gains Taxes & Stepped-up Basis Estate Tax Repeal Reform Like-Kind Exchanges (Section 1031) Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Biodiesel Tax Credit

Access to agricultural credit USDA-FSA lending and borrowing programs Implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act

Waters of the United States Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, including ozone and PM2.5

US Trade Negotiations with Other Nations PL 480, Food for Peace Food for Progress McGovern Dole, International Food for Education USMCA Tariffs Retaliatory Tariffs Chinese Tariffs HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill

Future highway and transportation funding Infrastructure Supply Chain Water Resources Development Act Hours of Service Regulations

General Immigration Reform Border Security H-2A Legislative Reforms Adverse Effective Wage Rate (AEWR) HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill

Access to agricultural credit USDA-FSA lending and borrowing programs

Renewable Fuel Standard/Renewable Volume Obligation Production Tax Credits for Renewable Fuels and Renewable Energy Year round E15 Availability Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Implementation of Phase I of US-China Trade Agreement US Trade Negotiations with Other Nations PL 480, Food for Peace Food for Progress McGovern Dole, International Food for Education

Future highway and transportation funding Electronic Logging Devices Infrastructure Supply Chain Water Resources Development Act Hours of Service Regulations

General Immigration Reform Border Security H-2A Legislative Reforms Adverse Effective Wage Rate (AEWR) Farm Workforce Modernization Act

General Concerns and Reporting Requirements on Farms and Ranches Protect Farmers from the SEC Act Implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act Basel III Endgame Joint Proposed Rulemaking

Renewable Fuel Standard/Renewable Volume Obligation Production Tax Credits for Renewable Fuels and Renewable Energy Year round E15 Availability Encourage domestic energy production

Kansas Farm Bureau supports agricultural exemptions to the hours-of-service rules and regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and agricultural haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. Full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February of 2022 created a dramatic shortage in rural school bus drivers as well as commercial trucker drivers who transport agricultural products. Farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raised on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The lack of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain. Kansas Farm Bureau is monitoring the 40B rule, and the proposed 45Z rule, both pertaining to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). We support the 45Z rule being based off domestically produced feedstocks and expanding the tax credit to additional grain commodities other than the 40B allowed corn and soybean grains. Other issues we are following include, Future highway and transportation funding Electronic Logging Devices Infrastructure Supply Chain Water Resources Development Act

Burdensome reporting requirements on farms and ranches S. 391/H.R. 1018 Protect Farmers from the SEC Act Implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act Basel III Endgame Joint Proposed Rulemaking Natural Asset Companies

Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administration proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level. KFB supports H.J. Res. 27 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". We are grateful for the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA case. Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.

General Immigration Reform The Average Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) continues to financially burden agricultural producers who utilize the H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker program (H2-A program). HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act H-2A Legislative Reforms TN visa regulatory reforms

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

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Representative Mann led an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. We also commend and support Rep Mann for introducing HR 1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Kansas Farm Bureau is monitoring the 40B rule, and the proposed 45Z rule, both pertaining to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). We support the 45Z rule being based off domestically produced feedstocks and expanding the tax credit to additional grain commodities other than the 40B allowed corn and soybean grains. Other issues we are monitoring include, Biodiesel Tax Credits Renewable Energy Tax Credits Cost Recovery and Depreciation Issues Extend Bonus Depreciation Business Income Deduction Corporate Tax Rate Like-Kind Exchanges (Section 1031) S. 1706, The Main Street Tax Certainty Act S. 1108, The Death Tax Repeal Act The American Families and Jobs Act (H.R. 3936, H.R. 3937, H.R. 3938) H.R. 7024 - The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act

Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administration proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level. KFB supports H.J. Res. 27 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". We are grateful for the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA case. Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meat inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. S. 2951, the Butcher Block Act is one of the bill that does just that. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 228 and H.R. 1287, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. Farm Bureau supports S. 1512, the DIRECT Act allowing state inspected meat processors to be able to sell their products through e-commerce.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Representative Mann led an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. We also commend and support Rep Mann for introducing HR 1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Kansas Farm Bureau is monitoring the 40B rule, and the proposed 45Z rule, both pertaining to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We support the 45Z rule being based off domestically produced feedstocks and expanding the tax credit to additional grain commodities other than the 40B allowed corn and soybean grains. Other issues we are monitoring include, Biodiesel Tax Credits Renewable Energy Tax Credits Cost Recovery and Depreciation Issues Extend Bonus Depreciation Business Income Deduction Corporate Tax Rate Like-Kind Exchanges (Section 1031) S. 1706, The Main Street Tax Certainty Act S. 1108, The Death Tax Repeal Act The American Families and Jobs Act (H.R. 3936, H.R. 3937, H.R. 3938) H.R. 7024 - The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act

General Immigration Reform The Average Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) continues to financially burden agricultural producers who utilize the H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker program (H2-A program). HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act H-2A Legislative Reforms TN visa regulatory reforms

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

Burdensome reporting requirements on farms and ranches S. 391/H.R. 1018 Protect Farmers from the SEC Act Implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act Basel III Endgame Joint Proposed Rulemaking Natural Asset Companies

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

Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administration proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level. KFB supports H.J. Res. 27 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". We are grateful for the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA case. Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, continuing and expanding China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain, Korea, and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted international trade. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. We continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China, including implementation of Phase I of US-China Trade Agreement. The U.S. and Mexico are engaged in discussions to resolve Mexico's proposed biotech regulations on imported corn. We support the U.S. launching a formal dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexico's lack of action on biotech approvals is also part of the discussions. We support continued trade of corn and other agricultural products with Mexico.

Burdensome reporting requirements on farms and ranches S. 391/H.R. 1018 Protect Farmers from the SEC Act Implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act Basel III Endgame Joint Proposed Rulemaking Natural Asset Companies

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Representative Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. We also commend and support Rep Mann for introducing HR 1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Other issues we are monitoring include, Biodiesel Tax Credits Renewable Energy Tax Credits Cost Recovery and Depreciation Issues Extend Bonus Depreciation Business Income Deduction Corporate Tax Rate Like-Kind Exchanges (Section 1031) S. 1706, The Main Street Tax Certainty Act S. 1108, The Death Tax Repeal Act The American Families and Jobs Act (H.R. 3936, H.R. 3937, H.R. 3938) H.R. 7024 - The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meat inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. S. 2951, the Butcher Block Act is one of the bill that does just that. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 228 and H.R. 1287, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. Farm Bureau supports S. 1512, the DIRECT Act allowing state inspected meat processors to be able to sell their products through e-commerce.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports agricultural exemptions to the hours-of-service rules and regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and agricultural haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. Full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February of 2022 created a dramatic shortage in rural school bus drivers as well as commercial trucker drivers who transport agricultural products. Farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raised on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The lack of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain. Other issues we are following include, Future highway and transportation funding Electronic Logging Devices Infrastructure Supply Chain Water Resources Development Act

General Immigration Reform The Average Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) continues to financially burden agricultural producers who utilize the H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker program (H2-A program). HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act H-2A Legislative Reforms TN visa regulatory reforms

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Representative Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. We also commend and support Rep Mann for introducing HR 1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Other issues we are monitoring include, Biodiesel Tax Credits Renewable Energy Tax Credits Cost Recovery and Depreciation Issues Extend Bonus Depreciation Business Income Deduction Corporate Tax Rate Like-Kind Exchanges (Section 1031) S. 1706, The Main Street Tax Certainty Act S. 1108, The Death Tax Repeal Act The American Families and Jobs Act (H.R. 3936, H.R. 3937, H.R. 3938) H.R. 7024 - The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. S. 2951, the Butcher Block Act is one of the bill that does just that. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 228 and H.R. 1287, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. Farm Bureau supports S. 1512, the DIRECT Act allowing state inspected meat processors to be able to sell their products through e-commerce.

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

Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administration proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level. KFB supports H.J. Res. 27 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". We are grateful for the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA case. Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocated for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2023. 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 in 2023 reduced crop yields, and limited pasture and grass growth. Wheat planted in 2022 for harvest in summer of 2023 had some of the lowest USDA crop reporting indexes in history. Many fall 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.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes a proposed rule from the SEC that would require regulated companies to report greenhouse gas emissions including Scope 3 or supply chain emissions. We support H.R. 1018 and S. 391 the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act.

Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administration proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level. KFB supports H.J. Res. 27 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". We are grateful for the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA case. Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. S. 2951, the Butcher Block Act is one of the bill that does just that. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 228 and H.R. 1287, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. Farm Bureau supports S. 1512, the DIRECT Act allowing state inspected meat processors to be able to sell their products through e-commerce.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, continuing and expanding China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain, Korea, and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted international trade. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. We continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China. The U.S. and Mexico are engaged in discussions to resolve Mexico's proposed biotech regulations on imported corn. We support the U.S. launching a formal dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexico's lack of action on biotech approvals is also part of the discussions. We support continued trade of corn and other agricultural products with Mexico.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. It is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farm's ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR), including freezing the rate increases. Farm Bureau seeks agricultural labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. It is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farm's ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR). Farm Bureau seeks ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes a proposed rule from the SEC that would require regulated companies to report greenhouse gas emissions including Scope 3 or supply chain emissions. We support H.R. 1018 and S. 391 the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Representative Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. We also commend and support Rep Mann for introducing HR 1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations.

Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administrations proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level. KFB supports H.J. Res. 27 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". We are grateful for the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA case. Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocates for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2023. 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 reduced 2022 and 2023 crop yields, and limited pasture and grass growth. Wheat planted in 2022 for harvest in summer of 2023 has some of the lowest USDA crop reporting indexes in history. Many fall 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.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports agricultural exemptions to the hours-of-service rules and regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and agricultural haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. Full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February of 2022 created a dramatic shortage in rural school bus drivers as well as commercial trucker drivers who transport agricultural products. Farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raised on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The lack of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocates for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2023. 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. 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 ever expanding drought conditions reduced 2022 crop yields, including 2023 winter wheat harvest, and limited pasture and grass growth. Wheat planted in 2022 for harvest in summer of 2023 has some of the lowest USDA crop reporting indexes in history. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain, Korea, and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as sent commodity prices to near record highs. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. We continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China. The U.S. and Mexico are engaged in discussions to resolve Mexico's proposed biotech regulations on imported corn. If no agreement can be reached, we support the U.S. launching a formal dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexico's lack of action on biotech approvals is also part of the discussions. We support continued trade of corn and other agricultural products with Mexico.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 228 and H.R. 1287, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. Farm Bureau supports S. 1512, the DIRECT Act allowing state inspected meat processors to be able to sell their products through e-commerce.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes a proposed rule from the SEC that would require regulated companies to report greenhouse gas emissions including Scope 3 or supply chain emissions. We support H.R. 1018 and S. 391 the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act.

Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administrations proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level. KFB supports H.J. Res. 27 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'". We are grateful for the Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA case. Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports agricultural exemptions to the hours-of-service rules and regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and agricultural haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. Full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February of 2022 created a dramatic shortage in rural school bus drivers as well as commercial trucker drivers who transport agricultural products. Farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raised on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The lack of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Representative Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. We also commend and support Rep Mann for introducing HR 1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes a proposed rule from the SEC that would require regulated companies to report greenhouse gas emissions including Scope 3 or supply chain emissions. We support H.R. 1018 and S. 391 the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports agricultural exemptions to the hours-of-service rules and regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and agricultural haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. Full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February of 2022 created a dramatic shortage in rural school bus drivers as well as commercial trucker drivers who transport agricultural products. Farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raised on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The lack of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 228 and H.R. 1287, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act.

Kansas Farm Bureaus advocates for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2023. 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 Pro-gram (EQIP) funding being targeted to livestock producers. Ensure Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres are focused on protecting marginal and highly erodible/non-productive lands. 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 ever expanding drought conditions reduced 2022 crop yields and limited pasture and grass growth. Wheat planted in 2022 for harvest in summer of 2023 has some of the lowest USDA crop reporting indexes in history. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as sent commodity prices to near record highs. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. We continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China. The U.S. and Mexico are engaged in discussions to resolve Mexicos proposed biotech regulations on imported corn. If no agreement can be reached, the U.S. could launch a dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexicos lack of action on biotech approvals is also part of the discussions. We support continued trade of corn and other agricultural products with Mexico.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. It is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farm's ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR). Farm Bureau seeks ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the HAULS Act (S. 792). The bipartisan HAULS Act modernizes the agricultural exemption to the hours-of-service rules and provides much needed regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and ag haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. The HAULS Act updates the agriculture and livestock HOS exemptions to ensure haulers have the flexibility they need to deliver their perishable products. The HAULS Act would: Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons Amend and clarify the definition of agricultural commodities based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations Authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers. We are thankful the US Senate Commerce Committee included provisions of the HAULS Act in their markup of the infrastructure package. Additionally, full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February cause a lot of concern about the future of school bus driver and commercial trucker driver that haul agricultural products. While not impacting every farmer and rancher, many agriculturalist do have children who ride a school bus in remote areas. All farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raise on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The loss of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as sent commodity prices to near record highs. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. We continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China. The U.S. and Mexico are engaged in discussions to resolve Mexicos proposed biotech regulations on imported corn. If no agreement can be reached, the U.S. could launch a dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexicos lack of action on biotech approvals is also part of the discussions. We support continued trade of corn with Mexico.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. It is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farms ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate. Farm Bureau seeks ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

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. Kansas Farm Bureau supports the Growing Climate Solutions Act. On December 15, 2021 winds in excess of 100mph hit most of Kansas. Dozens of wildfires burned thousands of acres of land and damaged property. Kansas Farm Bureau worked with the Kansas congressional offices and USDA to set up a meeting in Natoma, Kansas where USDA related disaster programs could be presented and discussed. We appreciate the efforts of USDA-FSA to make sure disaster programs work for producers impacted by wildfires. Ongoing and expanding drought conditions reduced 2022 crop yields and limited pasture and grass growth. Wheat planted in 2022 for harvest in summer of 2023 has some of the lowest USDA crop reporting indexes in modern history. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Congressman Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Farm Bureau supports legislation, H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a member of their family dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm Bureau supports H.R.2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). which would allow more farm or ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. This legislation updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation which allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than its value if it sold for development. Under current law heirs can reduce the value of their property to reflect agricultural use by up to $1.19 million. H.R. 2370 would expand the amount of the reduction to $11.7 million thereby increasing the amount of agricultural land that can be protected by using special use valuation. In exchange for this alternative valuation, family members must continue the farming or ranch in business for 10 years or pay the complete tax amount. Farm Bureau is opposed to legislation that has been proposed in the House and Senate to end stepped-up basis and impose capital gains taxes at death. The bills treat property which is transferred by gift or at death as if were sold for its fair market value. This deemed sale causes a recognition of gain, the amount that the asset increased in value while owned by the decedent, that is subject to capital gains taxes. The legislation contains an exclusion for up to $1 million dollars of gain. This new capital gains tax at death would be applied on top of existing estate taxes - so that both the new capital gains tax and existing estate taxes would be collected when a farm or ranch owned dies. We oppose the proposed Senate bill is called the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The introduced House bill is H.R. 2286. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed. Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Sec. 1031 Like Kind Exchanges. The rollback or elimination of this provision, which is popular with farmers and ranchers, is frequently mentioned as a possible pay-for for spending legislation. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as sent commodity prices to near record highs. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. As the two-year agreed to timeframe for China Phase 1 comes to a close, we will continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. It is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farms ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate. Farm Bureau seeks ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to monitor the Navigable Water Protection Rule. We do not support repeal of the NWPR. We are following court cases and the Biden Administration as it pertains to the Navigable Water Protection Rule and listened in to the virtual roundtables EPA hosted regarding Waters of the United States. Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau does not support early release of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres. These marginal lands are best left in grass to protect soil from blowing or washing away in high wind and rainfall events. Keeping CRP in place helps protect our nation's air and water. We do support allowing producers to hay and graze CRP acreage during times of drought.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Congressman Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Farm Bureau supports legislation, H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a member of their family dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm Bureau supports H.R.2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). which would allow more farm or ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. This legislation updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation which allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than its value if it sold for development. Under current law heirs can reduce the value of their property to reflect agricultural use by up to $1.19 million. H.R. 2370 would expand the amount of the reduction to $11.7 million thereby increasing the amount of agricultural land that can be protected by using special use valuation. In exchange for this alternative valuation, family members must continue the farming or ranch in business for 10 years or pay the complete tax amount. Farm Bureau is opposed to legislation that has been proposed in the House and Senate to end stepped-up basis and impose capital gains taxes at death. The bills treat property which is transferred by gift or at death as if were sold for its fair market value. This deemed sale causes a recognition of gain, the amount that the asset increased in value while owned by the decedent, that is subject to capital gains taxes. The legislation contains an exclusion for up to $1 million dollars of gain. This new capital gains tax at death would be applied on top of existing estate taxes - so that both the new capital gains tax and existing estate taxes would be collected when a farm or ranch owned dies. We oppose the proposed Senate bill is called the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The introduced House bill is H.R. 2286. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed. Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Sec. 1031 Like Kind Exchanges. The rollback or elimination of this provision, which is popular with farmers and ranchers, is frequently mentioned as a possible pay-for for spending legislation. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development.

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. We support S. 3580 and HR 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. 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. On December 15, 2021 winds in excess of 100mph hit most of Kansas. Dozens of wildfires burned thousands of acres of land and damaged property. Kansas Farm Bureau worked with the Kansas congressional offices and USDA to set up a meeting in Natoma, Kansas where USDA related disaster programs could be presented and discussed. We appreciate the efforts of USDA-FSA to make sure disaster programs work for producers impacted by wildfires. Ongoing drought conditions continue to reduce crop yields and limit pasture and grass growth. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture. Kansas Farm Bureau met with NASA to discuss satellite monitoring and how NASA can help agriculture producers in times of flood and drought.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to monitor the Navigable Water Protection Rule. We do not support repeal of the NWPR. We are following court cases and the Biden Administration as it pertains to the Navigable Water Protection Rule and listened in to the virtual roundtables EPA hosted regarding Waters of the United States. Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau does not support early release of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres. These marginal lands are best left in grass to protect soil from blowing or washing away in high wind and rainfall events. Keeping CRP in place helps protect our nation's air and water.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. It is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farms ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate. Farm Bureau seeks ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 3229 and S. 4030, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as sent commodity prices to near record highs. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. As the two-year agreed to timeframe for China Phase 1 comes to a close, we will continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Congressman Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose repeal of stepped up basis. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Farm Bureau supports legislation, H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a member of their family dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm Bureau supports H.R.2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). which would allow more farm or ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. This legislation updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation which allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than its value if it sold for development. Under current law heirs can reduce the value of their property to reflect agricultural use by up to $1.19 million. H.R. 2370 would expand the amount of the reduction to $11.7 million thereby increasing the amount of agricultural land that can be protected by using special use valuation. In exchange for this alternative valuation, family members must continue the farming or ranch in business for 10 years or pay the complete tax amount. Farm Bureau is opposed to legislation that has been proposed in the House and Senate to end stepped-up basis and impose capital gains taxes at death. The bills treat property which is transferred by gift or at death as if were sold for its fair market value. This deemed sale causes a recognition of gain, the amount that the asset increased in value while owned by the decedent, that is subject to capital gains taxes. The legislation contains an exclusion for up to $1 million dollars of gain. This new capital gains tax at death would be applied on top of existing estate taxes - so that both the new capital gains tax and existing estate taxes would be collected when a farm or ranch owned dies. We oppose the proposed Senate bill is called the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The introduced House bill is H.R. 2286. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed. Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Sec. 1031 Like Kind Exchanges. The rollback or elimination of this provision, which is popular with farmers and ranchers, is frequently mentioned as a possible pay-for for spending legislation. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Congressman Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose repeal of stepped up basis. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Farm Bureau supports legislation, H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a member of their family dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm Bureau supports H.R.2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). which would allow more farm or ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. This legislation updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation which allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than its value if it sold for development. Under current law heirs can reduce the value of their property to reflect agricultural use by up to $1.19 million. H.R. 2370 would expand the amount of the reduction to $11.7 million thereby increasing the amount of agricultural land that can be protected by using special use valuation. In exchange for this alternative valuation, family members must continue the farming or ranch in business for 10 years or pay the complete tax amount. Farm Bureau is opposed to legislation that has been proposed in the House and Senate to end stepped-up basis and impose capital gains taxes at death. The bills treat property which is transferred by gift or at death as if were sold for its fair market value. This deemed sale causes a recognition of gain, the amount that the asset increased in value while owned by the decedent, that is subject to capital gains taxes. The legislation contains an exclusion for up to $1 million dollars of gain. This new capital gains tax at death would be applied on top of existing estate taxes - so that both the new capital gains tax and existing estate taxes would be collected when a farm or ranch owned dies. We oppose the proposed Senate bill is called the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The introduced House bill is H.R. 2286. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed. Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Sec. 1031 Like Kind Exchanges. The rollback or elimination of this provision, which is popular with farmers and ranchers, is frequently mentioned as a possible pay-for for spending legislation. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as sent commodity prices to near record highs. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies. As the two-year agreed to timeframe for China Phase 1 comes to a close, we will continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. Many of our current farm employees are growing older, and it is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farms ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate. Farm Bureau has long worked for ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the HAULS Act (S. 792). The bipartisan HAULS Act modernizes the agricultural exemption to the hours-of-service rules and provides much needed regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and ag haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. The HAULS Act updates the agriculture and livestock HOS exemptions to ensure haulers have the flexibility they need to deliver their perishable products. The HAULS Act would: Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons Amend and clarify the definition of agricultural commodities based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations Authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers. We are thankful the US Senate Commerce Committee included provisions of the HAULS Act in their markup of the infrastructure package. Additionally, full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February cause a lot of concern about the future of school bus driver and commercial trucker driver that haul agricultural products. While not impacting every farmer and rancher, many agriculturalist do have children who ride a school bus in remote areas. All farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raise on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The loss of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 3229, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to monitor the Navigable Water Protection Rule. We do not support repeal of the NWPR. We are following court cases and the change in administration as it pertains to the Navigable Water Protection Rule and their desire to repeal and replace.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Farm Bureau supports legislation, H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a member of their family dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm Bureau supports H.R.2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). which would allow more farm or ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. This legislation updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation which allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than its value if it sold for development. Under current law heirs can reduce the value of their property to reflect agricultural use by up to $1.19 million. H.R. 2370 would expand the amount of the reduction to $11.7 million thereby increasing the amount of agricultural land that can be protected by using special use valuation. In exchange for this alternative valuation, family members must continue the farming or ranch in business for 10 years or pay the complete tax amount. Farm Bureau is opposed to legislation that has been proposed in the House and Senate to end stepped-up basis and impose capital gains taxes at death. The bills treat property which is transferred by gift or at death as if were sold for its fair market value. This deemed sale causes a recognition of gain, the amount that the asset increased in value while owned by the decedent, that is subject to capital gains taxes. The legislation contains an exclusion for up to $1 million dollars of gain. This new capital gains tax at death would be applied on top of existing estate taxes - so that both the new capital gains tax and existing estate taxes would be collected when a farm or ranch owned dies. We oppose the proposed Senate bill is called the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The introduced House bill is H.R. 2286. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed. Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Sec. 1031 Like Kind Exchanges. The rollback or elimination of this provision, which is popular with farmers and ranchers, is frequently mentioned as a possible pay-for for spending legislation. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the HAULS Act (S. 792). The bipartisan HAULS Act modernizes the agricultural exemption to the hours-of-service rules and provides much needed regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and ag haulers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. The HAULS Act updates the agriculture and livestock HOS exemptions to ensure haulers have the flexibility they need to deliver their perishable products. The HAULS Act would: Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons Amend and clarify the definition of agricultural commodities based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations Authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers. We are thankful the US Senate Commerce Committee included provisions of the HAULS Act in their markup of the infrastructure package.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing.

Farmers and ranchers continue to navigate disrupted supply chains. Kansans are waiting for the White House and USDA to name state directors for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development. Executive Orders mandating COVID vaccination are resulting in many full time employees and FSA county committee members to retire or resign their positions. Language included in various infrastructure proposals can benefit agriculture by expanding broadband and modernizing surface and inland water way transportation routes. However, various proposals within the budget reconciliation stand to severely damage agriculture with increased taxes. 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 in 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. On December 15 winds in excess of 100mph hit most of Kansas. Dozens of wildfires burned thousands of acres of land and damaged property. Kansas Farm Bureau worked with the Kansas congressional offices and USDA to set up a meeting in Natoma, Kansas where USDA related disaster programs could be presented and discussed.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA being the primary regulator of cell cultured meat and GMO labeling. Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and very small slaughter facilities. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We do support additional transparency.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to monitor the Navigable Water Protection Rule. We do not support repeal of the NWPR. We are following court cases and the change in administration as it pertains to the Navigable Water Protection Rule and their desire to repeal and replace.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax due at date of death. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. Farm Bureau supports legislation, H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a member of their family dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm Bureau supports H.R.2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). which would allow more farm or ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. This legislation updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation which allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than its value if it sold for development. Under current law heirs can reduce the value of their property to reflect agricultural use by up to $1.19 million. H.R. 2370 would expand the amount of the reduction to $11.7 million thereby increasing the amount of agricultural land that can be protected by using special use valuation. In exchange for this alternative valuation, family members must continue the farming or ranch in business for 10 years or pay the complete tax amount. Farm Bureau is opposed to legislation that has been proposed in the House and Senate to end stepped-up basis and impose capital gains taxes at death. The bills treat property which is transferred by gift or at death as if were sold for its fair market value. This deemed sale causes a recognition of gain, the amount that the asset increased in value while owned by the decedent, that is subject to capital gains taxes. The legislation contains an exclusion for up to $1 million dollars of gain. This new capital gains tax at death would be applied on top of existing estate taxes - so that both the new capital gains tax and existing estate taxes would be collected when a farm or ranch owned dies. We oppose the proposed Senate bill is called the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The introduced House bill is H.R. 2286. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed. Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Sec. 1031 Like Kind Exchanges. The rollback or elimination of this provision, which is popular with farmers and ranchers, is frequently mentioned as a possible pay-for for spending legislation. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. Many of our current farm employees are growing older, and it is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farms ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate. Farm Bureau has long worked for ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. As we get closer to the two-year agreed to timeframe for China Phase 1, we will continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. Many of our current farm employees are growing older, and it is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farms ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate. Farm Bureau has long worked for ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanded trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. As we inch closer to the two-year agreed to timeframe for China Phase 1, we will continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA being the primary regulator of cell cultured meat and GMO labeling. Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and very small slaughter facilities. Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We do support additional transparency.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the HAULS Act (S. 792). The bipartisan HAULS Act modernizes the agricultural exemption to the hours-of-service rules and provides much needed regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and ag haulers. In late March Senator Deb Fisher (R-Neb.) reintroduced the HAULS Act in the Senate. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. The HAULS Act updates the agriculture and livestock HOS exemptions to ensure haulers have the flexibility they need to deliver their perishable products. The HAULS Act would: Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons Amend and clarify the definition of agricultural commodities based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations Authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers. We are thankful the US Senate Commerce Committee included provisions of the HAULS Act in their recent markup of the infrastructure package.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to monitor the Navigable Water Protection Rule. We are following court cases and the change in administration as it pertains to the Navigable Water Protection Rule and their desire to repeal and replace.

Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching circles). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations. We support efforts to ensure the PPP is not taxed for income tax. Farm Bureau supports legislation, H.R. 2370, to allow more farm and ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a family member dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm and ranch families who want to continue farming and ranching when a member of their family dies should be able to pay estate taxes on the value of their current business, not what their land would be worth if they sold out to a developer. Farm Bureau supports H.R.2370, the Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.). which would allow more farm or ranch land to be valued at its agricultural value rather than its inflated development value for estate tax purposes. This legislation updates IRS Code Section 2032A Special Use Valuation which allows farmers and ranchers to pay estate taxes on the value of farmland based on agricultural use, rather than its value if it sold for development. Under current law heirs can reduce the value of their property to reflect agricultural use by up to $1.19 million. H.R. 2370 would expand the amount of the reduction to $11.7 million thereby increasing the amount of agricultural land that can be protected by using special use valuation. In exchange for this alternative valuation, family members must continue the farming or ranch in business for 10 years or pay the complete tax amount. Farm Bureau is opposed to legislation that has been proposed in the House and Senate to end stepped-up basis and impose capital gains taxes at death. The bills treat property which is transferred by gift or at death as if were sold for its fair market value. This deemed sale causes a recognition of gain, the amount that the asset increased in value while owned by the decedent, that is subject to capital gains taxes. The legislation contains an exclusion for up to $1 million dollars of gain. This new capital gains tax at death would be applied on top of existing estate taxes - so that both the new capital gains tax and existing estate taxes would be collected when a farm or ranch owned dies. We oppose the proposed Senate bill is called the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act, introduced by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The introduced House bill is H.R. 2286. A capital gain is a measure of an assets appreciation - the difference between the amount received when an asset is sold and the assets basis/purchase price. Typically, capital gains are taxed when an asset is sold. Under current law, however, transfers at death are not treated as a sale and the capital gain is not taxed. In addition, the basis of the property is stepped up to current value so that if the property were sold, capital gains taxes would only be paid on appreciation since the property was inherited. The current top capital gains tax rate is 20 percent. The value of family-owned farms and ranches are tied to illiquid assets such as land, buildings and equipment. With a majority, 82%, of farm assets in illiquid farm real estate, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay taxes at death. When taxes at death on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation, but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports. The harm caused to agricultural businesses that comes from taxes imposed at death is multiplied when both estate taxes and capital gains taxes are imposed. Farm Bureau supports the continuation of Sec. 1031 Like Kind Exchanges. The rollback or elimination of this provision, which is popular with farmers and ranchers, is frequently mentioned as a possible pay-for for spending legislation. By using Section 1031, farmers and ranchers are able to defer taxes when they sell real property, such as land or buildings, and replace it with similar property. Without Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, farmers and ranchers might have to incur debt to continue their farm or ranch businesses or, worse yet, delay essential improvements needed to maintain the financial viability of their farm or ranch. Farmers and ranchers frequently use like-kind exchanges to: Consolidate distant parcels of land; Obtain more productive land; Mitigate environmental impacts; Expand their operation to include young or beginning farmers; Upgrade structures like greenhouses or buildings used to house animals; or Move out of the path of urban development.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA being the primary regulator of cell cultured meat and GMO labeling. Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and very small slaughter facilities.

Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. Many of our current farm employees are growing older, and it is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States. We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farms ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate. Farm Bureau has long worked for ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need. Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas. We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the HAULS Act (S. 792). The bipartisan HAULS Act modernizes the agricultural exemption to the hours-of-service rules and provides much needed regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and ag haulers. In late March Senator Deb Fisher (R-Neb.) reintroduced the HAULS Act in the Senate. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined Senator Fischer in introducing the HAULS Act. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products. The HAULS Act updates the agriculture and livestock HOS exemptions to ensure haulers have the flexibility they need to deliver their perishable products. The HAULS Act would: Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons Amend and clarify the definition of agricultural commodities based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations Authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to dialog on the need to improve both wire and wireless connectivity in rural areas. This is even more important with many local units of government and state governors issuing stay and home orders due to COVID. Tele-health, online education and precision agriculture all require connectivity. KFB successfully submitted challenges to FCC's MF-II process in 2018 and KFB continues to converse with USDA Rural Development regarding the roll out of 2018 Farm Bill programs such as the ReConnect program. Broadband connectivity is as important today as rural electrification was nearly a century ago and rural water has been the past 50 years. We support changes to how FCC accounts for mobile broadband connectivity via their Form 477. A more granular accounting of broadband coverage than census blocks is important to show true connectivity in rural Kansas. Additionally, the USDA/FCC Broadband Task Force created in the 2018 Farm Bill continues to meet and and we dialog with committee members regarding what the task force is reviewing and how Farm Bureau can play a role in improving connectivity.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins. KFB followed the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meetings and are reviewing the conclusions released in late December.

COVID-19 wreaked havoc on farmers and ranchers in Kansas. Kansas Farm Bureau hosted multiple calls and virtual conferences with members of the Kansas delegation and federal agency officials to go over CARES, PPP and CFAP1 and CFAP2 rules and requirements for agriculturists. COVID moved and influenced many agricultural markets. KFB had dialog with congressional offices and USDA to ensure grain and livestock markets were fluid and accurate for price discovery. KFB continued to advocate on behalf of farmers and ranchers in Kansas to swiftly implement H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018. Flooding impacted producers across Kansas in 2019. These producers are now asking about WHIP+ and Quality Loss Assistance. We continue to dialog with congressional offices and USDA about making sure ARC, PLC, general CRP, and CRP-Grassland sign ups are documented, executed and reflect appropriate soil rental rates during COVID.

Kansas Farm Bureau supported the ratification of USMCA and implementation and enforcement starting in July. We are supportive of the trade deals with Japan and China being signed and implemented. We look forward to conversations continuing with Great Britain, the E.U. and Kenya regarding future trade agreements. Increasing agricultural trade with foreign countries will greatly help the farm-gate price of commodities for Kansas farmers and ranchers.

Given historic rainfall that occurred in 2019, there was abundant growth of tall grass prairie in Kansas that needed a prescribed burn (controlled wildfire) in the spring or fall of 2020. Many producers started burning in March and that continued through April. Fall burns were conducted in November and December. Ensuring Congressional offices understand the importance of this management practice, and working with EPA to allow this to continue to happen under the Clean Air Act will be key.

Kansas Farm Bureau is urging members of congress to support a delay on implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers. KFB supports H.R. 1673, the Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, as it would clarify the definition of agricultural products and allow more efficient movement of agricultural commodities throughout the supply chain.

KFB supports HR 218, the repeal of the estate tax. KFB does not support letting the estate tax expire early as a way to pay for a tax extenders package. KFB is closely following discussion regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how federal regulatory changes allowing an expansion of Association Health Plans (AHPs) and the removal of the penalty associated with not having an ACA compliant health plan impacts Kansas farmers and ranchers. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was not available to producers who had a negative Schedule F for 2019 until the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. We are now waiting on federal agencies to issue rules and regulations.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is located primarily in Stafford County, Kansas. Quivira NWR has a state of Kansas senior water right that the State Department of Agriculture has certified. KFB worked with the Kansas congressional delegation to seek a mutual understanding between DOI-USFWS, the state of Kansas, and a local Ground Water Management District (GMD) to resolve long standing issues pertaining to the water right. Conversations and tours of the refuge have taken place and KFB continues to educate on the history and specific nature of state water law. We advocate for an amicable solution being reached between DOI-USFWS and the GMD. We are pleased USFWS Director Skipwith, Senator Moran and the local GMD signed a memorandum of agreement in July and in December it was announced USFWS would in fact not make a call for water in 2021.

KFB supports HR 218, the repeal of the estate tax. KFB does not support letting the estate tax expire early as a way to pay for a tax extenders package. KFB is closely following discussion regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how federal regulatory changes allowing an expansion of Association Health Plans (AHPs) and the removal of the penalty associated with not having an ACA compliant health plan impacts Kansas farmers and ranchers. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is not available to producers who have a negative Schedule F for 2019. Due to market and weather conditions many producers in Kansas have a negative Schedule F for 2019 and are not eligible for the PPP. We would like to see this changed moving forward.

Kansas Farm Bureau is urging members of congress to support a delay on implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers. KFB supports H.R. 1673, the Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, as it would clarify the definition of agricultural products and allow more efficient movement of agricultural commodities throughout the supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureau seeks a congressional solution to our broken immigration system. Labor needs on agricultural operations are not being met. Additionally since H2A only allows seasonal work, agricultural operations in Kansas continue to have labor shortages. We oppose HR 4916, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and will work with Senators to fix the shortcomings in the House passed version.

Given historic rainfall that occurred in 2019, there is abundant growth of tall grass prairie in Kansas that needed a prescribed burn (controlled wildfire) in the spring of 2020. Many producers started burning in March and that continued through April. Additional fall burns are expected in late September and October. Ensuring Congressional offices understand the importance of this management practice, and working with EPA to allow this to continue to happen under the Clean Air Act will be key.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins. KFB is following the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meetings.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is located in Stafford County, Kansas. Quivira NWR has a state of Kansas senior water right that the State Department of Agriculture has certified. KFB worked with the Kansas congressional delegation to seek a mutual understanding between DOI-USFWS, the state of Kansas, and a local Ground Water Management District (GMD) to resolve long standing issues pertaining to the water right. Conversations and tours of the refuge have taken place and KFB continues to educate on the history and specific nature of state water law. We advocate for an amicable solution being reached between DOI-USFWS and the GMD. We are pleased USFWS Director Skipwith, Senator Moran and the local GMD signed a memorandum of agreement in July.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA regulating cell cultured protein products. KFB is seeking clarity on what plans the USFWS have regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken and how ranching in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem of western Kansas might be impacted. KFB is closely following how USDA APHIS and other agencies are monitoring and protecting the Kansas swine heard from African Swine Fever (ASF). Feral hog populations are increasing in Kansas and exploding in adjacent states of Oklahoma and Missouri. The fire at livestock processing facility in Holcomb, Kansas altered where cattle producers ship their cattle. We have followed USDA Packers and Stockyard Division's reports on livestock marketing due to the fire. COVID has created wild swings in the protein markets. Cattle producers are concerned about market movements between box beef prices and live/fat cattle prices. Multiple bills have been introduced in congress that impact small and medium slaughter plants and meat packers. Additional bills limiting the ways and opportunities producers market livestock have also been introduced. Congress passed a number of bills that will impact farmers and ranchers through USDA and SBA programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program Loan. Unfortunately the PPP is not available if producers had a negative Schedule F for 2019.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to dialog on the need to improve both wire and wireless connectivity in rural areas. This is even more important with many local units of government and state governors issuing stay and home orders due to COVID. Tele-health, online education and precision agriculture all require connectivity. KFB successfully submitted challenges to FCC's MF-II process in 2018 and KFB continues to converse with USDA Rural Development regarding the roll out of 2018 Farm Bill programs such as the ReConnect program. Broadband connectivity is as important today as rural electrification was nearly a century ago and rural water has been the past 50 years. We support changes to how FCC accounts for mobile broadband connectivity via their Form 477. A more granular accounting of broadband coverage than census blocks is important to show true connectivity in rural Kansas. Additionally, the USDA/FCC Broadband Task Force created in the 2018 Farm Bill continues to meet and and we dialog with committee members regarding what the task force is reviewing and how Farm Bureau can play a role in improving connectivity.

Kansas Farm Bureau supported the ratification of USMCA and implementation and enforcement starting in July. We are supportive of the Phase 1 trade deal with Japan being signed and implemented. Phase 1 implementation with China needs to happen quickly. We look forward to conversations continuing with Great Britain and the E.U. regarding future trade agreements. Increasing agricultural trade with foreign countries will greatly help the farm-gate price of commodities for Kansas farmers and ranchers.

Kansas Farm Bureau seeks a congressional solution to our broken immigration system. Labor needs on agricultural operations are not being met. Additionally since H2A only allows seasonal work, agricultural operations in Kansas continue to have labor shortages. We oppose HR 4916, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and will work with Senators to fix the shortcomings in the House passed version.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins. KFB is following the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meetings.

Kansas Farm Bureau is urging members of congress to support a delay on implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers. KFB supports H.R. 1673, the Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, as it would clarify the definition of agricultural products and allow more efficient movement of agricultural commodities throughout the supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to dialog on the need to improve both wire and wireless connectivity in rural areas. This is even more important with many local units of government and state governors issuing stay and home orders due to COVID. Tele-health, online education and precision agriculture all require connectivity. KFB successfully submitted challenges to FCC's MF-II process in 2018 and KFB continues to converse with USDA Rural Development regarding the roll out of 2018 Farm Bill programs such as the ReConnect program. Broadband connectivity is as important today as rural electrification was nearly a century ago and rural water has been the past 50 years. We support changes to how FCC accounts for mobile broadband connectivity via their Form 477. A more granular accounting of broadband coverage than census blocks is important to show true connectivity in rural Kansas. Additionally, the USDA/FCC Broadband Task Force created in the 2018 Farm Bill continues to meet and and we dialog with committee members regarding what the task force is reviewing and how Farm Bureau can play a key role in improving connectivity.

KFB supports HR 218, the repeal of the estate tax. KFB does not support letting the estate tax expire early as a way to pay for a tax extenders package. KFB is closely following discussion regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how federal regulatory changes allowing an expansion of Association Health Plans (AHPs) and the removal of the penalty associated with not having an ACA compliant health plan impacts Kansas farmers and ranchers. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is not available to producers who have a negative Schedule F for 2019. Due to market and weather conditions many producers in Kansas have a negative Schedule F for 2019 and are not eligible for the PPP. We would like to see this changed moving forward.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA regulating cell cultured protein products. KFB is seeking clarity on what plans the USFWS have regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken and how ranching in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem of western Kansas might be impacted. KFB is closely following how USDA APHIS and other agencies are monitoring and protecting the Kansas swine heard from African Swine Fever (ASF). The fire at livestock processing facility in Holcomb, Kansas altered where cattle producers ship their cattle. We have followed USDA Packers and Stockyard Division's reports on livestock marketing due to the fire. COVID has created wild swings in the protein markets. Cattle producers are concerned about market movements between box beef prices and live/fat cattle prices. Congress passed a number of bills that will impact farmers and ranchers through USDA and SBA programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program Loan but unfortunately the PPP is not available if producers had a negative Schedule F for 2019.

COVID-19 wreaked havoc on farmers and ranchers in Kansas. Kansas Farm Bureau hosted multiple calls and virtual conferences with members of the Kansas delegation and federal agency officials to go over CARES, PPP and CFAP rules and requirements for agriculturists. COVID moved and influenced many agricultural markets. KFB had dialog with congressional offices and USDA to ensure grain and livestock markets were fluid and accurate for price discovery. KFB continued to advocate on behalf of farmers and ranchers in Kansas to swiftly implement H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018. Flooding impacted producers across Kansas in 2019. These producers are now in need of understanding increased ECP cost share and how EWP will be handled within USDA as well as WHIP+, and RMA prevent plant. We continue to dialog with congressional offices and USDA about making sure ARC, PLC and a general CRP, and CRP-Grassland sign ups are documented and executed during COVID.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA regulating cell cultured protein products. KFB is seeking clarity on what plans the USFWS have regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken and how ranching in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem of western Kansas might be impacted. KFB is closely following how USDA APHIS and other agencies are monitoring and protecting the Kansas swine heard from African Swine Fever (ASF). The fire at livestock processing facility in Holcomb, Kansas altered where cattle producers ship their cattle. We have followed USDA Packers and Stockyard Division's reports on livestock marketing due to the fire. With the COVID pandemic in March, cattle producers are concerned about market movements between box beef prices and live/fat cattle prices. Congress passed a number of bills that will impact farmers and ranchers through USDA and SBA programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program Loan.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is located in Stafford County, Kansas. Quivira NWR has a state of Kansas senior water right that the State Department of Agriculture has been involved with. KFB worked with the Kansas congressional delegation to seek a mutual understanding between DOI-USFWS, the state of Kansas, and a local Ground Water Management District (GMD) to resolve long standing issues pertaining to the water right. Conversations and tours of the refuge have taken place and KFB continues to educate on the history and specific nature of state water law. We advocate for an amicable solution being reached between DOI-USFWS and the GMD.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to dialog on all fronts regarding the need to improve both wire and wireless connectivity in rural areas. This is even more important with many local units of government and state governors issuing stay and home orders due to COVID. KFB successfully submitted challenges to FCC's MF-II process in 2018 and KFB continues to converse with USDA Rural Development regarding the roll out of 2018 Farm Bill programs such as the ReConnect program. Broadband connectivity is as important today as rural electrification was nearly a century ago and rural water has been the past 50 years. We support changes to how FCC accounts for mobile broadband connectivity via their Form 477. A more granular accounting of broadband coverage than census blocks is important to show true connectivity in rural Kansas. Additionally, a Kansan was recently announced as vice chair of the USDA/FCC Broadband Task Force created in the 2018 Farm Bill and we dialog with her regarding what the task force is reviewing and how Farm Bureau can play a key role in improving connectivity.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins. KFB is following the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meetings.

KFB continued to advocate on behalf of farmers and ranchers in Kansas to swiftly implement H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018. Flooding impacted producers across Kansas in 2019. These producers are now in need of understanding increased ECP cost share and how EWP will be handled within USDA as well as WHIP+, and RMA prevent plant. We continue to dialog with congressional offices and USDA about making sure ARC, PLC and a general CRP sign up occur in a timely fashion in 2019, with many sign up dates concluding in February and March of 2020. Furthermore, 2018 Farm Bill authorization of hemp has led to conversations regarding the RMA insure-ability of hemp and hemp byproducts (fiber, oil, seed, flower). In March, COVID moved and influenced many agricultural markets. KFB had dialog with congressional offices and USDA to ensure markets were fluid and accurate for price discovery.

Kansas Farm Bureau is urging members of congress to support a delay on implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers. KFB supports H.R. 1673, the Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, as it would clarify the definition of agricultural products and allow more efficient movement of agricultural commodities throughout the supply chain.

Kansas Farm Bureau seeks a congressional solution to our broken immigration system. Labor needs on agricultural operations are not being met. Additionally since H2A only allows seasonal work, agricultural operations in Kansas continue to have labor shortages. We oppose HR 4916, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and will work with Senators to fix the shortcomings in the House passed version.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA regulating cell cultured protein products. KFB is seeking clarity on what plans the USFWS have regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken and how ranching in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem of western Kansas might be impacted. KFB is closely following how USDA APHIS and other agencies are monitoring and protecting the Kansas swine heard from African Swine Fever (ASF). The fire at livestock processing facility in Holcomb, Kansas has altered where cattle producers ship their cattle. We have followed USDA Packers and Stockyard Division's reports on livestock marketing due to the fire.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the ratification of USMCA and now the U.S. House of Representatives has passed USMCA we look forward to swift action in the U.S. Senate in early 2020. We are supportive of the Phase 1 trade deal with Japan being signed and implemented.We seek a swift Phase 1 agreement with China on trade. We look forward to conversations continuing with Great Britain and the E.U. regarding future trade agreements. Increasing agricultural trade with foreign countries will greatly help the farm-gate price of commodities for Kansas farmers and ranchers.

KFB continued to research and advocate for withdrawal of the 2015 WOTUS rule. Due to the flooding events of 2019 KFB is seeking clarification from the USACE regarding what landowners can do to repair fields to their previous conditions.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins. KFB is following the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meetings.

Kansas Farm Bureau is urging members of congress to support a delay on implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to dialog on all fronts regarding the need to improve both wire and wireless connectivity in rural areas. KFB successfully submitted challenges to FCC's MF-II process in 2018 and KFB continues to converse with USDA Rural Development regarding the roll out of 2018 Farm Bill programs such as the ReConnect program. Broadband connectivity is as important today as rural electrification was nearly a century ago and rural water has been the past 50 years. We support changes to how FCC accounts for mobile broadband connectivity via their Form 477. A more granular accounting of broadband coverage than census blocks is important to show true connectivity in rural Kansas. Additionally, a Kansan was recently announced as vice chair of the USDA/FCC Broadband Task Force created in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is located in Stafford County, Kansas. Quivira NWR has a state of Kansas senior water right that the State Department of Agriculture has been involved with. KFB worked with the Kansas congressional delegation to seek a mutual understanding between DOI-USFWS, the state of Kansas, and a local Ground Water Management District (GMD) to resolve long standing issues pertaining to the water right. Conversations and tours of the refuge have taken place and KFB continues to educate on the history and specific nature of state water law. We advocate for an amicable solution being reached between DOI-USFWS and the GMD.

Kansas Farm Bureau seeks a congressional solution to our broken immigration system. Labor needs on agricultural operations are not being met. Additionally since H2A only allows seasonal work, agricultural operations in Kansas continue to have labor shortages. We oppose HR 4916, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and will work with Senators to fix the shortcomings in the House passed version.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to dialog on all fronts regarding the need to improve both wire and wireless connectivity in rural areas. KFB successfully submitted challenges to FCC's MF-II process in 2018 and KFB continues to converse with USDA Rural Development regarding the roll out of 2018 Farm Bill programs such as the ReConnect program. Broadband connectivity is as important today as rural electrification was nearly a century ago and rural water has been the past 50 years. We support changes to how FCC accounts for mobile broadband connectivity via their Form 477. A more granular accounting of broadband coverage than census blocks is important to show true connectivity in rural Kansas. Additionally, we have a member who has been nominated to serve on the USDA/FCC Broadband Task Force created in the 2018 Farm Bill.

KFB supports HR 218, the repeal of the estate tax. KFB does not support letting the estate tax expire early as a way to pay for a tax extenders package. KFB is closely following discussion regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how recent federal regulatory changes allowing an expansion of Association Health Plans (AHPs) and the removal of the penalty associated with not having an ACA compliant health plan impacts Kansas farmers and ranchers.

KFB continued to advocate on behalf of farmers and ranchers in Kansas to swiftly implement H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018. Flooding impacted producers across Kansas. These producers and now in need of understanding increased ECP cost share and how EWP will be handled within USDA as well as WHIP+, MFP payments with cover crops, and RMA prevent plant. We continue to dialog with congressional offices and USDA about making sure ARC, PLC and a general CRP sign up occur in a timely fashion in 2019.

KFB continued to research and advocate for withdrawal of the 2015 WOTUS rule. Due to the flooding events of 2019 KFB is seeking clarification from the USACE regarding what landowners can do to repair fields to their previous condition.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins. KFB is following the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meetings.

Kansas Farm Bureau seeks a congressional solution to our broken immigration system. Labor needs on agricultural operations are not being met due to caps in the H2A system. Additionally since H2A only allows seasonal work, agricultural operations in Kansas continue to have labor shortages.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports USDA regulating cell cultured protein products. KFB is seeking clarity on what future plans of USFWS are regarding the Lesser Prairie Chicken and how ranching in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem of western Kansas might be impacted. KFB is closely following how USDA APHIS and other agencies are monitoring and protecting the Kansas swine heard from African Swine Fever (ASF).

KFB continued to advocate on behalf of farmers and ranchers in Kansas to swiftly implement H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law in December 2018. Flooding in early March impacted producers in northeast Kansas. These producers and now in need of understanding increased ECP cost share and how EWP will be handled within USDA. We continue to dialog with congressional offices and USDA about making sure ARC, PLC and a general CRP sign up occur in a timely fashion in 2019. Additionally, understanding the complexities and changes USDA has allowed with cover cropping and reporting late planted crops due to flooding and adverse weather conditions is extremely important to Kansas farmers.

Kansas Farm Bureau seeks a congressional solution to our broken immigration system. Labor needs on agricultural operations are not being met due to caps in the H2A system. Additionally since H2A only allows seasonal work agricultural operations in Kansas have labor shortages.

KFB supports HR 218, the repeal of the estate tax. KFB does not support letting the estate tax expire early as a way to pay for a tax extenders package. KFB is closely following discussion regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how recent federal regulatory changes allowing an expansion of Association Health Plans (AHPs) and the removal of the penalty associated with not having an ACA compliant health plan impacts Kansas farmers and ranchers.

KFB continued to research and advocate for withdrawal of the 2015 WOTUS rule. EPA and the USACE released the Clean Water, Clear Rule which KFB was reviewing and hoping EPA and the USACE implement in 2019.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the Dear Colleague letter urging members of congress to support a one-year delay on implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers be included in FY2020 appropriations.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins. KFB is following the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meetings.

KFB believes USDA should be the primary regulator of cell cultured proteins.

Kansas Farm Bureau seeks a congressional solution to our countries broken immigration system. Labor needs within agriculture are not currently being met due to caps in the H2A system in addition to H2A only allowing seasonal work.

KFB continued to research and advocate for a improved rule to the 2015 WOTUS rule. EPA and the USACE released the Clean Water, Clear Rule which KFB was reviewing in the first quarter of 2019 preparing to file comments in April.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports submission and ratification of USMCA, positive movement on trade agreements with Japan and the E.U. Additionally, we support continued negotiations with China. Increasing agricultural trade with foreign countries will greatly help the farm-gate price of commodities for Kansas farmers and ranchers.

Kansas Farm Bureau supports the Dear Colleague letter urging members of congress to support a one-year delay on implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for livestock haulers be included in FY2020 appropriations.

Kansas Farm Bureau continues to dialog on all fronts regarding the need to improve both wire and wireless connectivity in rural areas. KFB successfully submitted challenges to FCC's MF-II process and continue to converse with USDA Rural Development and they being to roll out 2018 Farm Bill programs such as the ReConnect program. Broadband connectivity is as important today as rural electrification was nearly a century ago and rural water has been the past 50 years.

KFB continues to discuss the consequences of the the Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule and lobby for it to be fully repealed by Congress. KFB supports Acting EPA Administrator Wheeler's efforts to roll out a new Clean Water, Clear Rule to replace the previous WOTUS regulations. KFB supports S. 517 and HR 1311, which gives ethanol a fair opportunity to be sold throughout the year. Retailers should be able to choose what products they sell at the fuel pump. KFB also is not in favor of the ethanol point of obligation to be changed. KFB has lobbied the Kansas congressional delegation and Administrator Wheeler to engage in conversations taking place at the White House regarding ethanol, specifically supporting E15 to be sold all year long, and we look forward to the update rule being released so that E15 may be sold starting in the summer of 2019. KFB continues to support sound science and the ability for farmers to utilize the latest herbicide technology on their 2018 crops. We lobbied for dicamba to be re-registered and approved in 2019 crop seasons and beyond. KFB discussed the importance of annual prescribed wildfires to maintain and preserve the native ecosystem of the Flint Hills (tallgrass) prairie system with EPA.

Rural broadband, both hardwire and wireless, and telecommunication is extremely important to maintain rural communities, economic vitality and way of life. KFB advocated for the FCC and USDA-RD to further invest in rural communities, not only within city limits but also in rural, unincorporated farm and ranch lands. KFB applied for and was granted a waiver in order to participate in the MF-II (Mobility Fund phase 2) which FCC held open until November. KFB has been in communication with the FCC to ensure KFB fully understand the process in which the MF-II is operating. Kansas Farm Bureau collected more than 6,000 unique data points as part of our MF-II challenge. We were able to validate 15 and 6 areas of the state of Kansas were proven to have inadequate cell phone coverage compared to what telecommunications providers told the FCC.

Agricultural producers are in need of labor year round. We want to ensure there is a workable legal system and framework by which agricultural producers can access, employ and retain migrant farm laborers. Mandatory E-Verify does not work for most agricultural businesses. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a program such as H-2A, with increased caps, or H-2C as a way to address labor shortages on agricultural operations across the state. Kansas Farm Bureau supported Chairman Goodlatte's approach to finding a solution to the labor challenges that exists on farms and ranches today. H.R. 4760 and H.R. 6136 include steps in the right direction to address the guest worker shortfalls that exist in rural America.

Rural infrastructure including broadband, highways, water ways and rail systems are in need of improvement and modernization. Talks continue regarding an future infrastructure package. KFB continues to lobby to ensure rural America is included in infrastructure improvement bills, activities and projects. Research facilities at Land Grant Universities are in need of repair and upgrades; we support infrastructure funding focused towards deferred maintenance and repair backlogs. Animal agriculture is unique in how it most move across the United States. Removing the Hours of Service requirement on the Electronic Log Devices (ELD) is a necessity in order to safely and humanely move livestock.

The tax reform discussion has been ongoing for many years. KFB supported H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017. After being signed into law it is now Public Law No: 115-97. Moving forward, farmers and ranchers need permanent tax provisions to provide certainty after 10 years. Agriculture is a high-risk, high-input, capital-intensive business and these provisions are essential to success. We believe the estate tax must be repealed. Kansas Farm Bureau supports retroactively extending the biodiesel tax credit for biodiesel produced in 2018 and future years. We continue to monitor the tax extenders discussion occurring in the House and Senate.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels, ingredients and calorie counts will be placed on products. KFB supports the label of "meat" only applying to products produced by live animals raised from an agricultural producer. We support USDA fully utilizing their authority over any product that contains cells or products derived from animals. Similarly, we believe the definition of milk is a product derived from a lactating mammal, not plant based byproducts.

KFB strongly supports free, fair and open trade and market access around the globe. We support agricultural trade with our NAFTA partners, counties that were previously part of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), KORUS, and the E.U. We strongly support strengthening trade relations with China. We do not support agriculture being utilized as a pawn in the trading game and tariffs being placed on Kansas agriculture products such as soybeans, sorghum, cor, pork, and beef. In July, USDA announced the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) as a way to mitigate for trade distortions. Offering MFP assistance based of the 2018 production limits the opportunity for producers impacted by drought or other weather events from being fairy compensated by the trade tariffs. A group of Kansas producers lobbied USTR in September to protect agriculture from unfair trade retaliations. Kansas agriculturalist need certainty and open markets to trade the commodities and livestock products they grow and raise. Finding a solution to NAFTA is of the utmost importance. Continuing to dialog with China is strongly encouraged. Conversations regarding the second round of MFP payments occurred in November and December. We are encouraged producers will have ample opportunity to sign up and prove production of 2018 harvest yields once the government reopens. Given the 2018 fall harvest was impacted greatly by weather conditions, communication and direction to producers will be necessary.

We oppose the USFWS listing the lesser prairie chicken and monarch butterfly as a threatened or endangered species. We oppose USFWS taking land out of production by using pollinator programs, CRP or any other government program and placing it on private lands for single-species recovery efforts. Kansas Farm Bureau is concerned about potential restrictions on private lands as various state and federal agencies study the monarch butterfly population. Utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program at USDA to increase pollinator habitat has potential pitfalls and needs to be utilized cautiously. KFB visited with the local manager at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, Kansas to discuss their impairment claim in May. Follow up conversations with the Kansas congressional delegation have continued since the tour. We supported our congressional delegation to make contact asking the USFWS to provide technical assistance to implement augmentation on the refuge. USFWS needs to work with adjacent private landowners and the Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources to come to a mutually beneficial agreement as it pertains to a water right and management agreement of the refuge. Conversations regarding the CREP-CRP program and how it may be used in the Rattlesnake Creek basin have been on going as one potential avenue to help address the situation at Quivira NWR.

The tax reform discussion has been ongoing for many years. KFB supported H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017. After being signed into law it is now Public Law No: 115-97. Moving forward, farmers and ranchers need permanent tax provisions to provide certainty after 10 years. Agriculture is a high-risk, high-input, capital-intensive business and these provisions are essential to success. We believe the estate tax must be repealed. Kansas Farm Bureau supports retroactively extending the biodiesel tax credit for biodiesel produced in 2018 and future years.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels, ingredients and calorie counts will be placed on products. KFB supports the label of "meat" only applying to products produced by live animals raised from an agricultural producer. We support USDA fully utilizing their authority over any product that contains cells or products derived from animals. Similarly, we believe the definition of milk is a product derived from a lactating mammal, not plant based byproducts.

KFB strongly supports free, fair and open trade and market access around the globe. We support agricultural trade with our NAFTA partners, counties that were previously part of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), KORUS, and the E.U. We strongly support strengthening trade relations with China. We do not support agriculture being utilized as a pawn in the trading game and tariffs being placed on Kansas agriculture products such as soybeans, sorghum, cor, pork, and beef. In July, USDA announced the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) as a way to mitigate for trade distortions. Offering MFP assistance based of the 2018 production limits the opportunity for producers impacted by drought or other weather events from being fairy compensated by the trade tariffs. A group of Kansas producers lobbied USTR in September to protect agriculture from unfair trade retaliations. Kansas agriculturalist need certainty and open markets to trade the commodities and livestock products they grow and raise. Finding a solution to NAFTA is of the utmost importance. Continuing to dialog with China is strongly encouraged.

Wildfires flared up in Kansas in February and March 2018. Kansas Farm Bureau requested USDA-FSA and USDA-NRCS allow CRP acres, including CP25, to be emergency hayed and grazed to lessen the fire threat, provide improved management of landscapes and forage. Allowing haying and grazing prior to the end of the primary nesting season (July 15) will help producers impacted. Drought conditions expanded across Kansas through July and feed and forage for livestock ran short. In early September may parts of Kansas were hit with extreme amounts of rainfall -- in some areas over 10 inches -- in single storm events. USDA disaster declarations would go a long way to help producer start to rebuild, prepare for harvest and plan for future crop plantings. Frequent communication with USDA and the Kansas congressional delegation has been ongoing to discuss the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) emergency grazing and other programs that came into play after the 2016 and 2017 wildfires. When USDA Secretary Perdue came to Kansas in May, Kansas Farm Bureau lobbied to get CP25 released for grazing due to severe drought conditions impacting many counties in Kansas. We continue this push with congressional offices and discussion regarding the next Farm Bill (H.R. 2). The Senate Agriculture Committee and the House Agriculture Committee have held hearings in Washington, DC and listening tours across the country to prepare for the 2018 Farm Bill. Kansas Farm Bureau continues to research and promote the need to simplify ARC-CO, PLC, rural development and conservation programs. The crop insurance program must be protected and defended. Promoting trade through the Farm Bill and USDA-FAS is important to move Kansas agricultural products across the globe. Kansas Farm Bureau supported committee mark up and final floor passage of both H.R. 2 and S. 3042. We continue to dialog with conference committee members Senator Roberts and Representative Marshall and encourage them to get the 2018 Farm Bill signed into law prior to September 30, 2018.

KFB continues to discuss the consequences of the the Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule and lobby for it to be fully repealed by Congress. When EPA Administrator Pruitt visited Kansas in June we lobbied for a process to get WOTUS repealed once and for all, and just as important, for EPA to specifically identify which landscape features would never be considered a WOTUS. We continue to encourage Acting EPA Administrator Wheeler to continue these efforts. KFB supports S. 517 and HR 1311, which gives ethanol a fair opportunity to be sold throughout the year. Retailers should be able to choose what products they sell at the fuel pump. KFB also is not in favor of the ethanol point of obligation to be changed. KFB has lobbied the Kansas congressional delegation and Administrator Wheeler to engage in conversations taking place at the White House regarding ethanol, specifically supporting E15 to be sold all year long. KFB continues to support sound science and the ability for farmers to utilize the latest herbicide technology on their 2018 crops. We lobbied for dicamba to be re-registered and approved in 2019 crop seasons and beyond. KFB discussed the importance of annual prescribed wildfires to maintain and preserve the native ecosystem of the Flint Hills (tallgrass) prairie system with EPA.

Rural broadband, both hardwire and wireless, and telecommunication is extremely important to maintain rural communities, economic vitality and way of life. KFB advocated for the FCC and USDA-RD to further invest in rural communities, not only within city limits but also in rural, unincorporated farm and ranch lands. KFB applied for and was granted a waiver in order to participate in the MF-II (Mobility Fund phase 2) which FCC is currently providing. KFB has been in communication with the FCC to ensure we fully understand the process in which the MF-II is operating. Kansas Farm Bureau has collected nearly 2,000 unique data points as part of our MF-II challenge and we will being validating some of these areas prior to submitting our challenge later this year.

Agricultural producers are in need of labor year round. We want to ensure there is a workable legal system and framework by which agricultural producers can access, employ and retain migrant farm laborers. Mandatory E-Verify does not work for most agricultural businesses. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a program such as H-2A, with increased caps, or H-2C as a way to address labor shortages on agricultural operations across the state. Kansas Farm Bureau supports Chairman Goodlatte's approach to finding a solution to the labor challenges that exists on farms and ranches today. H.R. 4760 and H.R. 6136 include steps in the right direction to address the guest worker shortfalls that exist in rural America.

The tax reform discussion has been ongoing for many years. KFB supported H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017. After being signed into law it is now Public Law No: 115-97. Moving forward, farmers and ranchers need permanent tax provisions to provide certainty after 10 years. Agriculture is a high-risk, high-input, capital-intensive business and these provisions are essential to success. We believe the estate tax must be repealed.

KFB continues to discuss the consequences of the the Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule and lobby for it to be fully repealed by Congress. When EPA Administrator Pruitt visited Kansas in June we lobbied for a process to get WOTUS repealed once and for all, and just as important, for EPA to specifically identify which landscape features would never be considered a WOTUS. KFB supports S. 517 and HR 1311, which gives ethanol a fair opportunity to be sold throughout the year. Retailers should be able to choose what products they sell at the fuel pump. KFB also is not in favor of the ethanol point of obligation to be changed. KFB has lobbied the Kansas congressional delegation and Administrator Pruitt to engage in conversations taking place at the White House regarding ethanol, specifically supporting E15 to be sold all year long. KFB continues to support sound science and the ability for farmers to utilize the latest herbicide technology on their 2018 crops. We lobbied for dicamba to re-registered and approved in 2019 crop seasons and beyond. KFB discussed the importance of annual prescribed wildfires to maintain and preserve the native ecosystem of the Flint Hills (tallgrass) prairie system with EPA when they visited Kansas in June.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels, ingredients and calorie counts will be placed on products. KFB supports the label of "meat" only applying to products produced by live animals raised from an agricultural producer. We support USDA fully utilizing their authority over any product that contains cells or products derived from animals. Similarly, we believe the definition of milk is a product derived from a lactating mammal, not plant based byproducts.

Agricultural producers are in need of labor year round. We want to ensure there is a workable legal system and framework by which agricultural producers can access, employ and retain migrant farm laborers. Mandatory E-Verify does not work for most agricultural businesses. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a program such as H-2A, with increased caps, or H-2C as a way to address labor shortages on agricultural operations across the state. Kansas Farm Bureau supports Chairman Goodlatte's approach to finding a solution to the labor challenges that exists on farms and ranches today. H.R. 4760 and H.R. 6136 include steps in the right direction to address the guest worker shortfalls that exist in rural America.

Rural infrastructure including broadband, highways, water ways and rail systems are in need of improvement and modernization. Talks continue regarding an future infrastructure package. KFB continues to lobby to ensure rural America is included in infrastructure improvement bills, activities and projects. Research facilities at Land Grant Universities are in need of repair and upgrades; we support infrastructure funding focused towards deferred maintenance and repair backlogs.

Rural broadband, both hardwire and wireless, and telecommunication is extremely important to maintain rural communities, economic vitality and way of life. KFB advocated for the FCC and USDA-RD to further invest in rural communities, not only within city limits but also in rural, unincorporated farm and ranch lands. KFB applied for and was granted a waiver in order to participate in the MF-II (Mobility Fund phase 2) which FCC is currently providing. KFB has been in communication with the FCC to ensure we fully understand the process in which the MF-II is operating. In less than one month's time, KFB had nearly 1,000 submissions to our portal in which citizens believe their wireless communications needs in Kansas are undeserved or not served at all.

We oppose the USFWS listing the lesser prairie chicken and monarch butterfly as a threatened or endangered species. We oppose USFWS taking land out of production by using pollinator programs, CRP or any other government program and placing it on private lands for single-species recovery efforts. Kansas Farm Bureau is concerned about potential restrictions on private lands as various state and federal agencies study the monarch butterfly population. Utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program at USDA to increase pollinator habitat has potential pitfalls and needs to be utilized cautiously. KFB visited with the local manager at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, Kansas to discuss their impairment claim in May. USFWS needs to work with adjacent private landowners and the Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources to come to a mutually beneficial agreement as it pertains to a water right and management agreement of the refuge. We do not support expanding a USDA-FSA program such as CREP into the Rattlesnake Creek region as a way to solve the Quivira water right situation.

KFB strongly supports free, fair and open trade and market access around the globe. We support agricultural trade with our NAFTA partners, counties that were previously part of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), KORUS, and the E.U. We strongly strengthening trade relations with China. We do not support agriculture being utilized as a pawn in the trading game and tariffs being placed on Kansas agriculture products such as soybeans, sorghum, cor, pork, and beef.

Wildfires have yet again flared up in Kansas in February and March 2018. Kansas Farm Bureau has requested USDA-FSA and USDA-NRCS allow CRP acres to be emergency hayed and grazed to lessen the fire threat, provide improved management of landscapes and forage. Frequent communication with USDA and the Kansas congressional delegation has been ongoing to discuss the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) emergency grazing and other programs that came into play after the 2016 and 2017 wildfires. The Senate Agriculture Committee and the House Agriculture Committee have held hearings in Washington, DC and listening tours across the country to prepare for the 2018 Farm Bill. Kansas Farm Bureau continues to research and promote the need to simplify ARC-CO, PLC, rural development and conservation programs. The crop insurance program must be protected and defended. Promoting trade through the Farm Bill and USDA-FAS is important to move Kansas agricultural products across the globe. More than 100 members of Kansas Farm Bureau visited the Kansas Congressional offices to discuss the importance of rural broadband and the role communications plays in modern agriculture, the importance of maintaining crop insurance and the Harvest Price Option (HPO), and further discussion how ARC and PLC programs impact Kansas farmers in March 2018.

Agriculture is in need of access to additional labor all year around. We want to make sure there is a workable system and framework by which agricultural producers can access, employ and retain migrant farm laborers. Mandatory E-Verify does not work for most agricultural businesses. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a program such as H-2A, with increased caps, or H-2C as a way to address labor shortages on agricultural operations across the state.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels, ingredients and calorie counts will be placed on products. KFB supports the label of "meat" only applying to products produced and by live animals raised from an agricultural producer. We support USDA fully utilizing their authority over any product that contains cells or products derived from animals.

Rural infrastructure including broadband, highways, water ways and rail systems are in need of improvement and modernization. Talks continue regarding an future infrastructure package. KFB continues to lobby to ensure rural America is included in infrastructure improvement bills, activities and projects. Research facilities at Land Grant Universities are in need of repair and upgrades; we support infrastructure funding focused towards deferred maintenance and repair backlogs.

KFB continues to discuss the consequences of the the Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule and lobby for it to be fully repealed by Congress. KFB supports S. 517 and HR 1311, which gives ethanol a fair opportunity to be sold throughout the year. Retailers should be able to choose what products they sell at the fuel pump. KFB also is not in favor of the ethanol point of obligation to be changed. KFB has lobbied the Kansas congressional delegation to engage in conversations taking place at the White House regarding ethanol, specifically supporting E15 to be sold all year long. KFB continues to support sound science and the ability for farmers to utilize the latest herbicide technology on their 2018 crops.

We oppose the USFWS listing the lesser prairie chicken and monarch butterfly as a threatened or endangered species. We oppose USFWS taking land out of production by using pollinator programs, CRP or any other government program and placing it on private lands for single-species recovery efforts. KFB visited USFWS offices in March to advocate for limited government interference when it comes to the lesser prairie chicken, monarchs and the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, Kansas. Kansas Farm Bureau is concerned about potential restrictions on private lands as various state and federal agencies study the monarch butterfly population. Utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program at USDA to increase pollinator habitat has potential pitfalls and needs to be utilized cautiously. USFWS owns and operates Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, Kansas. USFWS needs to work with adjacent private landowners and the Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources and come to a mutually beneficial agreement as it pertains to a water right and management agreement of the refuge. We do not support expanding a USDA-FSA program such as CREP into the Rattlesnake Creek region due to the Quivira water right situation.

The tax reform discussion has been ongoing for many years. KFB supported H.R. 1, the tax reform act of 2017. After being signed into law it is now Public Law No: 115-97. There was a glitch pertaining to a newly created Section 199A that KFB lobbied to have addressed so it would not create an advantage for selling agricultural products to a cooperative based system over a private or corporate company. Moving forward, farmers and ranchers need permanent tax provisions to provide certainty after 10 years. Agriculture is a high-risk, high-input, capital-intensive business and these provisions are essential to success.

We oppose the USFWS listing the lesser prairie chicken and monarch butterfly as a threatened or endangered species. We oppose USFWS taking land out of production by using pollinator programs, CRP or any other government program and placing it on private lands for single-species recovery efforts. KFB visited USFWS offices in July to advocate for limited government interference when it comes to the lesser prairie chicken. Kansas Farm Bureau is concerned about potential restrictions on private lands as various state and federal agencies study the monarch butterfly population. Utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program at USDA to increase pollinator habitat has potential pitfalls and needs to be utilized cautiously. USFWS owns and operates Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford County, Kansas. USFWS needs to work with neighbor landowners and the Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources and come to a mutually beneficial agreement as it pertains to a water right and management agreement of the refuge.

Agriculture is in need of access to additional labor all year around. We want to make sure there is a workable system and framework by which agricultural producers can access, employ and retain migrant farm laborers. Mandatory E-Verify does not work for many agricultural businesses. Kansas Farm Bureau supports a program such as H-2A, with increased caps, or H-2C as a way to address labor shortages on agricultural operations across the state.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels, ingredients and calorie counts will be placed on products.

Rural infrastructure including broadband, highways, water ways and rail systems are in need of improvement and modernization. The Trump Administration continues to talk about an infrastructure package. KFB continues to lobby to ensure rural America is included in infrastructure improvement bills, activities and projects. Research facilities at Land Grant Universities are in need of repair and upgrades; we support infrastructure funding focused towards deferred maintenance and repair backlogs. Rural broadband and communication is extremely important to maintain rural communities, vitality and way of life.

KFB strongly supports free, fair and open trade and market access around the globe. We support agricultural trade with our NAFTA partners, counties that were previously part of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), KORUS, and the E.U. We strongly support beef trade reopening with China.

Wildfire devastated more than 650,000 acres of farmland in Kansas in early March. Navigating USDA-FSA and USDA-NRCS programs and stipulations has been difficult. Frequent communication with USDA and the Kansas congressional delegation has been ongoing to discuss the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) emergency grazing and other programs. The Senate Agriculture Committee and the House Agriculture Committee have held hearings in Washington, DC and listening tours across the country to prepare for the 2018 Farm Bill. Kansas Farm Bureau continues to research and promote the need to simplify ARC-CO, PLC, rural development and conservation programs. The crop insurance program must be protected and defended. Promoting trade through the Farm Bill and USDA-FAS is important to move Kansas agricultural products across the globe. Members of Kansas Farm Bureau visited the Kansas Congressional offices to discuss the importance of rural broadband and the role communications plays in modern agriculture, the importance of maintaining crop insurance and the Harvest Price Option (HPO), and further discussion how ARC and PLC programs impact Kansas farmers.

Agriculture is in need of access to additional labor all year around. We want to make sure there is a workable system and framework by which agricultural producers can access, employ and retain migrant farm laborers.

The tax reform discussion has been ongoing for many years. KFB continues to monitoring these conversations and is encouraged to see that the latest framework includes important principles such as lower tax rates for individuals who own businesses, elimination of the death tax and some business interest deductibility. Kansas Farm Bureau looks forward to working with tax writers to refine the proposal to ensure that tax reform lowers effective tax rates for farm and ranch businesses. Farmers and ranchers need permanent tax provisions like the continuation of cash accounting and like-kind exchanges, unlimited stepped-up basis and lower capital gains taxes. Agriculture is a high-risk, high-input, capital-intensive business and these provisions are essential to success.

KFB strongly supports free, fair and open trade and market access around the globe. We support agricultural trade with our NAFTA partners, counties that were previously part of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), KORUS, and the E.U. We strongly support beef trade reopening with China.

We oppose the USFWS listing the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species. We oppose USFWS taking land out of production by using pollinator programs, CRP or any other government program and placing it on private lands for single-species recovery efforts. KFB visited USFWS offices in July to advocate for limited government interference when it comes to the lesser prairie chicken. Kansas Farm Bureau is concerned about potential restrictions on private lands as various state and federal agencies study the Monarch butterfly population. Utilizing the Conservation Reserve Program at USDA to increase pollinator habitat has potential pitfalls and needs to be utilized cautiously.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels, ingredients and calorie counts will be placed on products.

Wildfire devastated more than 650,000 acres of farmland in Kansas in early March. Navigating USDA-FSA and USDA-NRCS programs and stipulations has been difficult. Frequent communication with USDA and the Kansas congressional delegation has been ongoing to discuss the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) emergency grazing and other programs. The Senate Agriculture Committee and the House Agriculture Committee have held hearings in Washington, DC and listening tours across the country to prepare for the 2018 Farm Bill. Kansas Farm Bureau continues to research and promote the need to simplify ARC-CO, PLC, rural development and conservation programs. The crop insurance program must be protected and defended. The Trump Administration budget proposal seriously harms production agriculture by calling for cuts to crop insurance and elimination of beneficial programs housed at USDA, USAID and FDA. In September, 12 members of Kansas Farm Bureau visited all six Kansas Congressional offices and USDA-Rural Development to discuss the importance of rural broadband and the role communications plays in modern agriculture. The need remains to get middle-mile and last-mile fiber to rural communities for safety, agricultural business operations and educational opportunities.

KFB strongly supports free, fair and open trade and market access around the globe. We support agricultural trade with our NAFTA partners as well as lowering trade barriers with countries previously involved with TPP and T-TIP. We strongly support beef trade reopening with China.

Rural infrastructure including broadband, highways, water ways and rail systems are in need of improvement and modernization. The Trump Administration continues to talk about an infrastructure package. KFB lobbied to ensure rural America is included in infrastructure improvement bills, activities and projects. Research facilities at Land Grant Universities are in need of repair and upgrades; we support infrastructure funding focused towards deferred maintenance and repair backlogs.

USDA recently extended the comment period for the USDA proposed GIPSA rule. KFB strongly supports cattle and pork producers to be able to market their livestock under contracts they see fit and to be paid a premium for higher quality products. We oppose the USFWS listing the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species. We oppose USFWS taking land out of production by using pollinator programs, CRP or any other government program and placing it on private lands for single-species recovery efforts.

Agriculture is in need of access to labor. We want to make sure there is a workable system and framework by which agricultural producers can access, employ and retain migrant farm laborers all year long.

KFB continues to discuss the consequences of the the Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule and lobby for it to be fully repealed by Congress. KFB met with EPA Administrator Pruitt to ask EPA to rescind the 2015 WOTUS rule, to help Kansas ranchers deal with a Smoke Management Plan (SMP) within the Flint Hills eco-region and to make sure sound science prevails when it comes to EPA registering and regulating chemicals (pesticides) used in agriculture production. KFB supports S. 517 and HR 1311, which gives ethanol a fair opportunity to be sold throughout the year. Retailers should be able to choose what products they sell at the fuel pump. KFB also is not in favor of the ethanol point of obligation to be changed.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels, ingredients and calorie counts will be placed on products.

KFB continues to discuss the consequences of the the Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule and lobby for it to be fully repealed by Congress. The annual Flint Hills prescribed burn season is on the horizon and KFB needs EPA to continue to monitor and fight for wildfire management to be determined an exceptional event. KFB supports S. 517 and HR 1311, which gives ethanol a better chance to be sold throughout the year. Retailer should be able to choose what products they sell at the fuel pump. KFB also is not in favor of the ethanol point of obligation to be changed.

Wildfire devastated more than 650,000 acres of farmland in Kansas in early March. Navigating USDA-FSA and USDA-NRCS programs and stipulations has been difficult. Frequent communication with USDA and the Kansas congressional delegation has been ongoing to discuss the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) emergency grazing and other programs. USDA recently extended the comment period for the GIPSA interim final rule (IFR) limited opportunities for cattle and swing producers to effectively market their livestock. The Senate Agriculture Committee held a 2018 Farm Bill field hearing in Manhattan, Kansas where a Kansas Farm Bureau witness testified about the need to simplify ARC-CO, PLC, rural development and conservation programs. The crop insurance program must be protected and defended.

USDA recently extended the comment period for the USDA proposed GIPSA rule. KFB strongly supports cattle and pork producers to be able to market their livestock under contracts they see fit.

KFB continues to monitor the implementation of the agricultural biotech labeling measure passed by the previous Congress. We also are monitoring how nutrition labels and ingredients will be placed on products.

Agriculture is in need of access to labor. We want to make sure there is a workable system and framework by which agricultural producers can access and maintain farm laborers.

Discussed challenges and opportunities regarding the 2014 Farm Bill crop insurance provisions, Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for cotton and the negative trade implications adding cotton to Title 1 programs will cause. Continued conversations about the issues between county level payments on the ARC-County program, specifically large differences in adjacent county payments for the 2014 and 2015 crop years. Participated in dialog regarding future farm bills, including which programs work and how anti-agricultural groups wish to completely do away with farm and nutrition programs. Due to a record 2016 record state wheat yield, we continue to discuss futures contracts and the lack of convergence in the Hard Red Winter wheat market and the impact this has on crop insurance for both the 2016 and 2017 crop years. A large wildfire burned nearly 400,000 acres (more than 640 sq. miles) in late March in Barber and Comanche Counties of Kansas. Conversations continue through June regarding how best congressional offices and USDA, including FSA, NRCS and RMA could assist the recovery efforts. Some of these programs include the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). Additional conversations regarding RMA and short rating wheat and other options on crop insurance were discussed. NRCS is working on a EQIP modification that may allow for dead tree carcass removal to limit the amount of bird nesting and excretions that will lead to the infestation of additional salt cedar trees and create fuel for a future fire outbreak. Lobbied in support of having USDA-APHIS continue to inspect catfish imports rather than FDA. Kansas Farm Bureau opposes reopening the Farm Bill through the Senate Resolutions moving the catfish inspection to FDA.

Continued to seek direction and congressional intent on the Federal Highway Bill as it relates to agricultural producers' ability to transport diesel fuel in quantities greater than 119 gallons and the ability for customer harvesting operators to legally transport longer trailers and pieces of equipment through the state of Kansas. Research Hours of Service and if it impacts "Farm Use Only" equipment. Monitoring states' ability to increase weight limits on state and federal highways if an additional axle is added to a truck or trailer.

Discussed the need for immigration reform and the serious ramifications labor shortages are having in rural and agricultural communities throughout Kansas.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA final Waters of the United States (WOTUS), also called the Clean Water Rule. Continue to oppose additional burdensome and unnecessary restrictions by EPA's proposed limits on both commercial and private pesticide applicators as well as EPA's proposed Worker Protection Standards which goes into effect January 2, 2017. Discussed the necessity of prescribed fire and burns in the Flint Hills region of Kansas to stop invasive brush, trees and weeds from overtaking the native landscape. Occasionally these prescribed burns increase the ozone and PM2.5 levels at air quality monitoring stations and agriculture, specifically the prescribed burns, need an Exceptional Event status classification by EPA.

Advocated and lobbied on a pro-trade agenda with the hopeful ratification of TPP and T-TIP including S. 995 and HR 1890. Continue to support a pro-trade environment with Cuba.

Supported and lobbied on S. 764, the Sens. Roberts and Stabenow biotech labeling compromise bill that significantly alters the approach of HR 1599 the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 and S 2609 the Biotech Labeling Solutions Act. KFB strongly supports preempting states from creating a patchwork of biotech labeling laws. USDA continues to formulate the regulatory framework for implementing S. 764 and we continue to monitor those developments.

Advocated and lobbied on a pro-trade agenda with the hopeful ratification of TPP and T-TIP including S. 995 and HR 1890.

Discussed challenges and opportunities regarding the 2014 Farm Bill crop insurance provisions, Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for cotton and the negative trade implications adding cotton to Title 1 programs will cause. Continued conversations about the issues between county level payments on the ARC-County program, specifically large differences in adjacent county payments for the 2014 and 2015 crop years. Participated in dialog regarding future farm bills, including which programs work and how anti-agricultural groups wish to completely do away with farm and nutrition programs. After a record 2016 crop yield in Kansas for wheat, discussed futures contracts and the lack of convergence in the Hard Red Winter wheat market and the impact this has on crop insurance for both the 2016 and 2017 crop years. A large wildfire burned nearly 400,000 acres (more than 640 sq. miles) in late March in Barber and Comanche Counties of Kansas. Conversations continue through June regarding how best congressional offices and USDA, including FSA, NRCS and RMA could assist the recovery efforts. Some of these programs include the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). Additional conversations regarding RMA and short rating wheat and other options on crop insurance were discussed. Lobbied in support of having USDA-APHIS continue to inspect catfish imports rather than FDA. Kansas Farm Bureau opposes reopening the Farm Bill through the Senate Resolutions moving the catfish inspection to FDA.

Advocated Kansas Farm Bureau's support of a long-term tax reform plan. Lobbied in continued support of Sec. 179 and Bonus Depreciation. Started to review and discuss a path forward for simplifying, creating fairness and bringing overseas tax dollars back to the United States by reforming our current tax structure. Reviewed the House Task Force Reform proposals.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA final Waters of the United States (WOTUS), also called the Clean Water Rule, regulation and support for S. 1140 the Federal Water Quality Protection Act and S. J. Res. 22, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of "waters of the United States" under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Continue to oppose additional burdensome and unnecessary restrictions by EPA's proposed limits on both commercial and private pesticide applicators as well as EPA's proposed Worker Protection Standards which goes into effect January 2, 2017.

Discussed the need for immigration reform and the serious ramifications labor shortages are having in rural and agricultural communities throughout Kansas.

Supported and lobbied on S. 764, the Sens. Roberts and Stabenow biotech labeling compromise bill that significantly alters the approach of HR 1599 the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 and S 2609 the Biotech Labeling Solutions Act. KFB strongly supports preempting states from creating a patchwork of biotech labeling laws. USDA has started to formulate the regulatory framework for implementing S. 764 and we continue to watch those developments.

Supported and lobbied on S 764, the Sens. Roberts and Stabenow biotech labeling compromise bill that significantly alters the approach of HR 1599 the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 and S 2609 the Biotech Labeling Solutions Act. Even though S 764 is mandatory KFB strongly supports preempting states from creating a patchwork of biotech labeling laws.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA final Waters of the United States (WOTUS), also called the Clean Water Rule, regulation and support for S. 1140 the Federal Water Quality Protection Act and S. J. Res. 22, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of "waters of the United States" under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Continue to oppose additional burdensome and unnecessary restrictions by EPA's proposed limits on both commercial and private pesticide applicators as well as EPA's proposed Worker Protection Standards. The annual spring prescribed burn season was larger in Kansas due to good weather, a high fuel load, and the ever increasing need to control invasive species in Kansas. Kansas Farm Bureau made sure congressional offices and the Region 7 EPA office was aware of the necessity for fire to maintain the native ecosystem in the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills and Gyp Hills areas of Kansas through the months of April and May.

Continued to seek direction and congressional intent on the Federal Highway Bill as it relates to agricultural producers' ability to transport diesel fuel in quantities greater than 119 gallons and the ability for customer harvesting operators to legally transport longer trailers and pieces of equipment through the state of Kansas. Both opportunities will make roads safer in Kansas while helping increase the efficiency of agricultural small businesses.

Advocated on behalf of members in the Lesser Prairie Chicken region. Communicated with federal officials on a potential critical habitat designation and potential for delisting because of a now two consecutive year increase in species population and multiple court decisions, including the most recent case USFWS asked to dismiss from federal court. Discussed the humane need for animal antibiotic use in many livestock species, how data collection of antibiotics is handled and the need for common sense approach should FDA or other federal agencies attempt to limit antibiotic use with congressional members and staff. Began to research a proposed Federal Register printing of regulations on feral hogs in Kansas. As the Agricultural Appropriations bills moved through the House and Senate we opposed additional restrictions on the movement of horses and further restricting producers' private property rights on horse slaughter.

Advocated and lobbied on a pro-trade agenda with the hopeful ratification of TPP and T-TIP including S. 995 and HR 1890.

Advocated Kansas Farm Bureau's support of a long-term tax reform plan. Lobbied in continued support of Sec. 179 and Bonus Depreciation. Started to review and discuss a path forward for simplifying, creating fairness and bringing overseas tax dollars back to the United States by reforming our current tax structure. Reviewed the House Task Force Reform proposals that were released in late March.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA final Waters of the United States (WOTUS), also called the Clean Water Rule, regulation and support for S. 1140 the Federal Water Quality Protection Act and S. J. Res. 22, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of "waters of the United States" under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Continue to oppose additional burdensome and unnecessary restrictions by EPA's proposed limits on both commercial and private pesticide applicators as well as EPA's proposed Worker Protection Standards. With the annual spring prescribed burn season starting in Kansas, made sure congressional offices and the Region 7 EPA office was aware of the necessity for fire to maintain the native ecosystem in the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills and Gyp Hills areas of Kansas.

Discussed challenges and opportunities regarding the 2014 Farm Bill crop insurance provisions, Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for cotton and the negative trade implications adding cotton to Title 1 programs will cause. Discussed ongoing issues between county level payments on the ARC-County program. Participated in dialog regarding future farm bills, including which programs work and how some anti-agricultural groups want to do completely away with farm and nutrition programs. A large wildfire burned nearly 400,000 acres (more than 640 sq. miles) in late March in Barber and Comanche Counties of Kansas. Many conversations ensued regarding how best congressional offices and USDA, including FSA, NRCS and RMA could assist the recovery efforts. Some of these programs include the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). Additional conversations regarding RMA and short rating wheat and other options on crop insurance were discussed. Meetings with local producers were attended and Kansas Farm Bureau staff reported back the activities and future plans and goals.

Advocated on behalf of members in the Lesser Prairie Chicken region. Communicated with federal officials on a potential critical habitat designation and potential for delisting because of an increase in species population (for two consecutive years now) and multiple court decisions. Discussed the humane need for animal antibiotic use in many livestock species, how data collection of antibiotics is handled and the need for common sense approach should FDA or other federal agencies attempt to limit antibiotic use with congressional members and staff. Began to research a proposed Federal Register printing of regulations on feral hogs in Kansas.

Advocated and lobbied on a pro-trade agenda with the hopeful ratification of TPP and T-TIP including S. 995 and HR 1890.

Sought more clear direction and congressional intent on the Federal Highway Bill as it relates to agricultural producers' ability to transport diesel fuel in quantities greater than 119 gallons and the ability for customer harvesting operators to legally transport longer trailers and pieces of equipment through the state. Both opportunities will make roads safer in Kansas while helping increase the efficiency of agricultural small businesses.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA final Waters of the United States (WOTUS), also called the Clean Water Rule, regulation and support for S. 1140 the Federal Water Quality Protection Act and S. J. Res. 22, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to the definition of "waters of the United States" under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Lobbied in support of Congressional members filing a Amicus Brief on the lawsuit dealing with the EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and other regulations within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Continue to oppose additional burdensome and unnecessary restrictions by EPA's proposed limits on both commercial and private pesticide applicators as well as EPA's proposed Worker Protection Standards.

Advocated and lobbied on pro-trade agenda for TPA, TPP and T-TIP including S. 995 and HR 1890. Advocated a pro-trade solution to the non-WTO complaint Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law that drew concerns from Canada and Mexico.

Lobbied on behalf of a long-term highway transportation bill and the restoration of crop insurance funds contained within the highway bill.

Advocated on behalf of members in the Lesser Prairie Chicken region. Communicated with federal officials on a potential critical habitat designation and potential for delisting because of increase in species population and multiple court decisions. Discussed the serious consequences of a ban on horse slaughter in the United States and the need to oppose additional transportation restrictions of horses with Congressional offices. Discussed the humane need for animal antibiotic use in many livestock species, how data collection of antibiotics is handled and the need for common sense approach should FDA or other federal agencies attempt to limit antibiotic use with Congressional members, staff and Federal Register comments with FDA.

Discussed challenges and opportunities regarding the 2014 Farm Bill crop insurance provisions, Ag Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage for cotton and the negative trade implications adding cotton to Title 1 programs will cause. Attended a meeting at USDA with Rural Development staff to talk about rural Kansas and the challenges lack of infrastructure such as broadband result in. Provided background to the Senate Agriculture Committee on how a Kansas Farm Bureau member in Cheyenne County came up with the idea for Food For Peace (PL480) program and why it is still important today surplus American agricultural commodities are able to be exported and provided to nations around the world.

Lobbied on behalf of a long-term highway transportation bill. Discussed consequences of short-term highway bill extensions. Lobbied on S. 1732, the Comprehensive Transportation and Consumer Protection Act of 2015, as well as hazardous material issues and concerns.

Advocated and lobbied on pro-trade agenda for TPA, TPP and T-TIP including S. 995 and HR 1890. Advocated a change to the current Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law due to concerns over Canada and Mexico retaliations by supporting HR 2393, the Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015.

Advocated on behalf of members in the Lesser Prairie Chicken region. Communicated with federal officials on a potential critical habitat designation and potential for delisting because of increase in species population. Discussed serious consequences of a ban on horse slaughter in the United States with Congressional offices. Submitted public comments on a proposed USFWS rule regarding endangered species petitions, regulations and how it would impact the regulated community and state wildlife agencies.

Discussed challenges and opportunities regarding the 2014 Farm Bill crop insurance provisions, including limited irrigation, and ARC/PLC sequestered funds. Lobbied on H.R. 2051, Mandatory Price Reporting Act.

Researched and provided information to our members who oppose EPA lowering the Renewable Fuel Standard for ethanol and biodiesel. Discussed EPA's released RFS numbers with Congressional offices. Submitted public comments regarding EPA's proposed RFS amounts, the blend wall, and second generation renewable fuels.

Advocated our support of a long-term tax reform plan. Support Sec. 179 and Bonus Depreciation included in HR 636, tax deduction for donated food in HR 644 and tax deduction for conservation easements in HR 644. Also support HR 251 and S. 1660 making bonus depreciation permanent.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation and support S. 1140 the Federal Water Quality Protection Act. Continue to oppose to EPA's proposed ozone standards. Researched and provided perspective on EPA's proposed limits on both commercial and private pesticide applicators as well as EPA's proposed Worker Protection Standards. Asked Congressional offices to sign on to letter to EPA's Inspector General regarding inappropriate communications and lobbing by EPA's on their WOTUS rule.

Advocated on behalf of members in the Lesser Prairie Chicken region. Communicated with federal officials on a potential critical habitat designation. Supported amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Department of Interior Appropriations bills delisting the Lesser Prairie Chicken.

Researched and provided information to our members who oppose EPA lowering the Renewable Fuel Standard for ethanol and biodiesel. EPA hosted a public comment session in Kansas City, Kansas in June where our members submitted comments opposing a lower RFS threshold than Congress wrote into the 2007 energy bill.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation and support S. 1140 the Federal Water Quality Protection Act. Continue to oppose to EPA's proposed ozone standards. Researched and provided perspective on pollinator habitat and EPA's proposed limits on pesticide use. Participated in a round table discussion with EPA Region 7 discussing WOTUS and clean air issues.

Supported HR 1599 the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015. Preparing for bill markup in the House and encouraging Senate sponsorship.

Opposed mandatory e-verify provisions in HR 1147 the Legal Workforce Act and HR 399 the Secure Our Borders First Act of 2015. Support immigration reform with adequate visas for ag laborers.

Advocated against the USACE and EPA proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation, including Senate Agriculture Committee hearing background information. Researched, communicated and submitted comments in opposition to EPA's proposed ozone standards.

Advocated in support of repealing the death tax/estate tax, specifically HR 1105 the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015. Supported HR 863 the STARS Act.

Advocated on behalf of members in the Lesser Prairie Chicken region. Communicated with federal officials on a potential critical habitat designation. Advocated and researched the listing of the Northern Long Eared Bat and the listings impacts on Kansas.

Advocated on 2014 Farm Bill implementation, crop insurance budget cuts and potential amendments, and Farm Bill sign up extension.

Support for HR 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 which contained funding for agricultural and other programs.

Opposition to efforts of the EPA to expand jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act using a rulemaking focused on Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Lobbying efforts included coordination with Members of Congress on letters opposing the rulemaking.

Ongoing efforts to clarify issues related to APH, cover crops, and NASS during the implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. Also efforts to better understand the intent of USDA in the announcement to create a second Beef Check-off using authority granted to the Secretary in the 1996 Act on Commodity Check-off Programs.

Ongoing opposition to the proposed rule on Waters of the United States, the proposed rule on worker protection standards, and concerns over restrictions on the use of surplus federal property by rural fire districts and others. Support for passage of HR5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014.

Efforts to recruit co-sponsors for H.R. 5213, the Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality (STARS) Act of 2014.

Ongoing efforts to support discussions and passage of reforms to immigration policy.

Comments on the Worker Protection Standards rule proposed by EPA and work to clarify farm labor overtime concerns.

Discussions with House Members on expiring tax provisions including bonus depreciation, expensing and others.

Ongoing discussions with Members regarding the need for comprehensive reform of the nation's immigration policy.

Opposition to the rule propsed by EPA on Waters of the United States.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Issues impacting farmers and ranchers of Kansas.

Supported efforts to address tax extenders concerns, including new depreciation rules, cash accounting, and section 179 expensing.

Discussions with Members in support of TPP and TPA.