WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today announced witnesses for the Committee’s field hearing in Frankenmuth, Mich. on the 2018 Farm Bill.
The hearing, entitled “Growing Jobs and Economic Opportunity: Perspectives on the 2018 Farm Bill from Michigan,” will feature testimony from the witnesses below examining agriculture, as well as conservation, rural economic development, research, forestry, energy, and nutrition policies that affect Michigan.
Witness List:
Welcome Panel
Ronald Hendrick; Dean, Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; East Lansing, MI
Panel 1
Janna Fritz; JDF Farms, LLC; Bad Axe, MI; Corn, Dry Bean, Soybean, and Wheat Farmer; Board Member, Michigan Corn Growers
Chris Alpers; RedPath Orchards and Alpers Farms; Lake Leelanau, MI; Apple and Cherry Grower; Board Member, U.S. Apple Association
Rick Gerstenberger; Gerstenberger Farms Inc.; Snover, MI; Sugarbeet, Alfalfa, Corn, Dry Bean, Soybean, and Wheat Farmer; Chairman of the Board, Michigan Sugar Company
Darrin Siemen; Prime Land Farm; Harbor Beach, MI; Dairy, Beef Cattle, Corn, Sugarbeet and Wheat Farmer; Michigan Milk Producers Association
Andy Snider; Snider Farms, LLC; Hart, MI; Turkey, Hog, Corn and Soybean Farmer; Michigan Turkey Producers
David Williams; W Farms, LLC; Elsie, MI; Soybean, Corn and Wheat Farmer; President, Michigan Soybean Association
Adam Ingrao; Bee Wise Farms; Lansing, MI; Beekeeper; Founder, Michigan Farmer Veteran Coalition
Pam Bouma Miller; Hopyards of Kent; Greenville, MI; Hop Growers of Michigan
Panel 2
Oran Hesterman; President & CEO, Fair Food Network; Ann Arbor, MI
Faith Watson; Montcalm County SNAP Recipient; Greenville, MI
Jim Nugent; Fruit Grower; Chairman, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission; Suttons Bay, MI
Kyle Rorah; Great Lakes & Atlantic Region Policy Specialist, Ducks Unlimited;
Ann Arbor, MI
Jerry Ann Hebron; Urban Farmer; Executive Director, Northend Christian CDC; Detroit, MI
Collin Thompson; Manager, Michigan State University, USDA Organic Certified North Farm; Chatham, MI
Kristen Matson; Inventory & Planning Specialist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division; Shingleton, MI
Bob Hance; President & CEO, Midwest Energy Cooperative; Cassopolis, MI
Field Hearing Details
What: U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Field Hearing on the 2018 Farm Bill
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT
Place: Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center - Michigan State University, 3775 S Reese Rd, Frankenmuth, MI
RSVP: To attend, email your name and organization (if representing a group) to MIRSVP@ag.senate.gov
Testimony: You are invited to submit testimony or comments for the official record for this field hearing in advance, but no later than May 12, 2017, either online at www.agriculture.senate.gov/farm-bill-input or by mailing it to the Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry, 328A Russell Senate Office Bldg, Washington, D.C. 20510.
Live Broadcast: The hearing will be webcast live on ag.senate.gov.
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