House Member Adrian Smith, Holds Farm Bill Session Near Beatrice

BEATRICE - Conservation programs, crop insurance, food programs and trade issues were topics of discussion with Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith during a farm bill listening session near Beatrice Thursday afternoon. Approximately 30 farmers and producers spent an hour visiting with the Congressman and offering ideas as work will soon begin on a new farm. Smith is conducting several listening sessions this month to give farmers an opportunity to share their thoughts of the future of ag policy. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Smith-1.mp3"][/audio] :35                  “more practical basis” Thursday’s hour long session was held at the Homestead National Monument of America northwest of Beatrice. Congressman Smith says its important receive input from Nebraska producers as the process of writing the farm bill will soon begin….. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Smith-2.mp3"][/audio] :12                  “moving forward” Several persons attending Thursdays listening session were concerned about the future of trade policies. As trade negotiations take place in the ag industry, Smith says farmers across the state are concerned about what the future holds. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Smith-3.mp3"][/audio] :34                  “here at home” Smith says because the farm bill also involves nutrition and food programs, the bill affects every consumer across the country and not just farmers. Smith says it’s important to keep agriculture strong since it affects everyone…. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Smith-4.mp3"][/audio] :19                  “and new ideas” The Director of Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture is also taking the opportunity to hear what farmers across the state would like to see in the next farm bill. Greg Ibach is accompanying Smith this month as the Congressman conducts listening sessions to gather input for future ag policy. Ibach says he is hearing the same concerns at each listening session…… [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Ibach-1.mp3"][/audio] :11                  “most brought up” Ibach says the sessions are helping him understand what the concerns are of Nebraska producers… [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Ibach-2.mp3"][/audio] :13                   “to explain” The ag director says what affects agriculture also affects the entire state. Because the industry plays such an important role in the state’s economy, Ibach says it is important to keep it strong… [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Ibach-3.mp3"][/audio] :20                  “Nebraska as well” Ibach says the future looks good for Nebraska and it continues to grow. He says having good farm policy will help the ag industry remain strong…. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/08/Ibach-4.mp3"][/audio] :27                  “agriculture growing” Congressman Smith will hold another listening session on August 23^rd in South Sioux City.