Jim Baird: “I thank the chairman for yielding and for all the work that we did in the committee to include my bill, the…”

“I thank the chairman for yielding and for all the work that we did in the committee to include my bill, the Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act in the Weather Act's reauthorization. The Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act is a simple piece of legislation. This bill simply directs the United States Weather Research Program to study seasonal precipitation forecasts for agriculture. Hoosier farmers rely on accurate forecasts to determine whether or not their farms will have rain needed for their crops. This bill supports that basic need through a collaboration between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and our universities to create measurable objectives in forecasting improvement. This study will address the scientific challenges to improving precipitation forecasting by enacting the National Weather Service's recommendations for subseasonal and seasonal forecasting innovation in the 21st century. These recommendations will enable the Indiana State Climate Office at Purdue University to produce operational models for land surfaces, soil moisture, and flash drought processes. Our farmers need the most accurate data available to guarantee a successful harvest. That is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.”