By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas farmers and ranchers provided expertise on various agricultural topics through their roles on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Issues Advisory Committees.

Each committee is focused on a specific, high-profile agricultural topic, and the Farm Bureau leaders with direct involvement on that topic help identify issues and discuss actions and possible solutions.

Those members, who were appointed by AFBF President Zippy Duvall, included eight leaders from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

Bruce Frasier, a Dimmit County farmer, serves on the Agricultural Labor Committee, which covers guestworker programs, OSHA regulations, immigration, farm safety and workforce issues.

As member of the Budget and Economy Committee, Brett Rosser of Randall County discusses tax code, tax reform, federal budget process, appropriations, the balanced budget amendment and estate taxes.

TFB Vice President Warren Cude serves on the Energy Committee. Members of this committee concentrate on the Renewable Fuel Standard, renewable energy sources, fracking, pipelines, CAFÉ Standards and carbon regulations.

The Environmental Regulations Committee covers issues pertaining to the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, climate change, pesticide issues, the Clean Water Act, national and regional water storage programs, Army Corps of Engineers water related efforts and flood control. Hill County member Rodney Schronk represents Texas on this committee.

As a member of the Farm Policy Committee, Jared Blankenship of Deaf Smith County discusses risk management, including crop insurance, price and income support programs, and conservation programs.

TFB District 5 State Director Jerry Moody serves on the Market Structures committee. Members of this committee discuss checkoff programs, credit markets, retail production standards, commodity markets and the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act.

As a member of the Technology Committee, Justin Hale of Johnson County discusses data privacy and control, unmanned aircraft systems, biotechnology, other new breeding techniques and robotics.

Michael Bodenchuk of Medina County is the TFB member on the Wildlife Damage Committee. This committee focuses on crops and livestock depredation and indemnification, invasive species, quarantine and inspection issues, wildlife management and plant and animal infections and infestations.

Other state Farm Bureau representatives will serve on the Animal Health, Federal Lands, and Organic, Food Safety and Direct Marketing committees.

Outcomes of the committees’ deliberations include advice and counsel to the AFBF board of directors on policy-related actions AFBF might be advised to take.

“Understanding regulatory actions, legislative policies and legal issues is vital to building stronger agricultural awareness and perspectives on state and national priorities,” said Jay Bragg, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities. “Serving on AFBF’s Issues Advisory Committees gives Texas farmers and ranchers the opportunity to share their knowledge on agricultural topics and help the national organization better understand how policies and proposals will affect agriculture.”

Committee members may testify at congressional hearings and communicate with the media.

They will also participate in conference calls and webinars throughout the year to help Farm Bureau staff develop testimonies and write comments on proposed federal regulations.

The Issues Advisory Committees met Feb. 11-12 in Washington, D.C.