News
Senate Ag Committee announces farm bill hearing witnesses
The Senate Ag Committee has released the list of witnesses that will testify during the second farm bill field hearing this Saturday.
Focused on jobs and the economy, the May 6th hearing in Frankenmuth, Michigan will include two panels that will testify on agriculture policies, as well as conservation, rural economic development, research, forestry, energy, and nutrition.
Participants are as diverse as Michigan agriculture and include crop, livestock, dairy and sugarbeet producers as well as fruit growers, beekeepers, ag processors and others.
The committee is accepting testimony or comments for the official record by no later than May 12th.
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
why are their more dairy people talking? where are the leaders of the co-ops that have caused the over supply in this state. We need a two tier pricing program to get production under control.