Changing of the guard on agriculture committees

News

Changing of the guard on agriculture committees

Some of the biggest influences on ag policy over the last several decades won’t have a part in writing the next farm bill.

Minnesota Farm Bureau president Kevin Paap says with Congressman Collin Peterson’s defeat last week, three of the four highest ranking members on the House and Senate Ag Committees will be lost.

“Think about Senator Pat Roberts, 40 years of experience on ag committees in Congress. Congressman Peterson, 30 years. Congressman Mike Conaway, 15 years.”

Neither Roberts or Conaway ran for reelection, and Peterson was defeated by Republican Michelle Fishbach in Minnesota’s Seventh District.

Paap tells Brownfield new leadership will have big shoes to fill.

“As we saw it shift from majorities more than a couple times, the fact they were willing to work together as a team, both the chairmen and the ranking members. Two from opposite parties, but understanding how important it is to work together in agriculture.”

In the House, California’s Jim Costa and David Scott of Georgia have announced they will pursue chairmanship of the Ag Committee.

Roberts has said he expects John Boozman of Arkansas to take his spot as Senate Ag Committee chairman.

.