WASHINGTON — More testimonies continued to come in from the HouseAgriculture Committee Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry on May 17 during a hearing titled “A Review of Animal Agriculture Stakeholder Priorities.”

Todd Wilkinson, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), highlighted stronger market conditions in the cattle industry while also discussing new challenges facing ranchers, particularly citing regulations and inflation. 

 “Many of you have said it before, and I wholeheartedly agree, food security is national security,” Wilkinson testified. “Working together, we can ensure the long-term success and viability of those on the front lines providing said crucial food security. We owe it to the next generation to get it right.”

Scott Hays, president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), shared similar viewpoints to his counterpart at NCBA. 

“The growing threat of foreign animal disease, specifically African swine fever, is of particular concern, and farmers need the tools to prevent and rapidly respond to an outbreak, should one ever occur,” Hays said. “The ‘three-legged stool’ of animal health laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill has set the course for what pork producers need in the upcoming farm bill.”

Other challenges NCBA and NPPC remain vigilant on include overreach on Packers and Stockyards rules. 

The testimony from Wilkinson explained priorities for the cattle industry in the next few years with the US Congress, starting with passing the 2023 Farm Bill with provisions to protect animal health, promote voluntary conservation programs, reinforce disaster programs and support risk management programs. NPPC named the Farm Bill a top priority. 

NCBA wants to reauthorize the Animal Drug User Fee Act, which protects the efficient Food and Drug Administration review of animal drugs that keep livestock healthy.

Wilkinson supported new trade opportunities by reauthorizing Trade Promotion Authority and seeking a trade agreement with the United Kingdom. 

NPPC said that if there is not meaningful trade access, increased funding for the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program would be critical for its agricultural products. 

Like other players in the industry, both associations also wanted to reauthorize livestock mandatory reporting (LMR). 

NCBA reemphasized its support for the DIRECT Act, which was introduced again earlier in May in the US Senate. 

For ongoing labor shortages, NPPC asked that the H-2A visa program be updated to grant access to year-round agriculture industries. 

“While the industry is facing many challenges, pig farmers, like me, and our industry allies are committed to working together to maintain the strength of the US pork industry,” Hays said. “We are proud of the work we do and appreciate the opportunity to help feed America’s families.”

Wilkinson’s full testimony can be found here. Hays’ full testimony can be found here.