Glenn Thompson: “Over the course of the summer, I was able to join some farm bill listening sessions with Chairman Mike Conaway and…”

“Over the course of the summer, I was able to join some farm bill listening sessions with Chairman Mike Conaway and Ranking Member Collin Peterson. These sessions were titled ``The Next Farm Bill, Conversations in the Field,'' and they allowed committee members to gather input directly from farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders across the country. As the House Agriculture Committee works to craft the next farm bill, these listening sessions have allowed us to hear firsthand from those who are directly impacted by the farm bill. They provide us with real world examples of what is working and what isn't. With farmers in every region of this country, we heard many different perspectives. This feedback will help us write the best legislation possible. Now, my schedule permitted me to attend listening sessions in Gainesville, Florida; San Angelo, Texas; and Decatur, Illinois. I also hosted a listening session in my own district. Our ``Barnyard Discussion'' at Penn State's Ag Progress Days focused on issues driving the state of agriculture in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I was joined by my Democratic colleague, Congressman Dwight Evans of Philadelphia; as well as Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Reading; and Rick Ebert, president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.…”