I expect we will hear a different perspective than we got in the Northeast and the Midwest.

I want to give producers the tools to help you do what you do best and that is produce the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world.

Field hearings are one of the most important parts of the farm bill process.

opening statement

I want to hear how these Federal policies are affecting producers in the Northeast, but the main concern of our hearing will be how the farm bill affects specialty crops and dairy producers.

For dairy producers, the ongoing discussion of dairy reform is of particular importance.

While I do not expect unanimity among dairy industry participants, we never get unanimity among farmers in general, I do encourage all industry participants, producers and processors alike, to find some level of consensus regarding the…

As I said before, we don't have an easy road ahead of us, but I'm confident that by working together we can craft a farm bill that continues to support the success story that American agriculture is.

While specialty crops do not participate in traditional commodity programs, there are other Federal programs that play an important role in helping American fruit, vegetable and nursery crop growers to stay competitive.

Today we'll hear from a selection of producers. Unfortunately, we just don't have time to hear from everybody who would like to share their perspective.

These field hearings are a continuation of what my friend and Ranking Member Collin Peterson started in the spring of 2010.

I can tell you from experience that what works here in Illinois will not work as well for my constituents in Oklahoma.

I am also committed to providing a strong crop insurance program.

I am also aware that the death tax is creating difficulties for farming operations.

Let me tell you--in some ways, Illinois and my home state of Oklahoma could not be more different.

The broad range of agricultural production makes our country strong, and it also creates challenges when you are trying to write a single farm bill.

My producers in Oklahoma are concerned and worried about regulations coming down from the Environmental Protection Agency.

I am a big advocate for alternative fuels and have been for a long, long time.