Tracey Mann: “This is a week that farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in my State of Kansas have long awaited. The House…”

“This is a week that farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in my State of Kansas have long awaited. The House Agriculture Committee will finally mark up a 5-year farm bill. I will start by thanking Chairman G.T. Thompson for leading the committee and developing a bipartisan, comprehensive, fiscally conservative farm bill that gives our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers the certainty they deserve. Around this time last year, the chairman and I hosted a farm bill listening session next to a wheat field in my district. We heard from 150 Kansans about their priorities for a farm bill. They were clear: They need a farm bill that gives them certainty as they work day in and day out to feed, clothe, and fuel the world. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act does just that. This farm bill strengthens the farm safety net and protects crop insurance. Agricultural producers in Kansas understand firsthand how important that is. In February 2021, Kansas had 13 consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures, which is a 40-year record. Our producers worked around the clock to protect their cattle and ensure they survived. Just last summer, drought and market conditions in Kansas caused producers to abandon the highest number of acres of wheat since World War I. Wheat farmers have seen a 35 percent decrease in production in the last year as a result. Madam Speaker, the reality is Mother Nature is a very difficult business partner.…”