By Julie Tomascik
Editor

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 Animal Care Committee, Jared Ranly of Falls County discusses animal health, antibiotic use, processing, government programs and the commerce clause.

Brett Rosser of Randall County represents Texas on the Budget and Economy Committee. This committee focuses on the tax code, tax reform, federal budget process, appropriations, the balanced budget amendment and estate taxes.

TFB District 6 State Director Warren Cude serves on the Energy Committee. Members of this committee concentrate on the Renewable Fuel Standard, fracking, pipelines, renewable energy sources and carbon regulations.

The Environmental Regulations Committee covers issues pertaining to the Endangered Species Act, climate change, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, pesticide issues, flood control and water storage programs. Hidalgo County member Isaac Sulemana represents Texas on this committee.

Jerry Moody, a Titus County farmer, represents Texas 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, Philip Mundine of Brazos 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 Farm Policy, 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.

“An understanding of regulatory actions, legislative policies and legal issues are key to strengthening agricultural awareness and perspectives on state and national issues,” Jay Bragg, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. “Participating on AFBF’s Issues Advisory Committees allows Texas farmers and ranchers to provide their expertise on various agricultural topics and help the national organization better understand how each issue will impact 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. 19-20 in Washington, D.C.