Podcasts about house agriculture committee

The House Agriculture Committee approved Chair Glenn Thompson’s Farm Bill 2.0 by a 34-17 bipartisan vote. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The House Agriculture Committee approved Chair Glenn Thompson's Farm Bill 2.0 by a 34-17 bipartisan vote.

While breaking news about U.S. military action against Iran dominates the headlines, a consequential piece of legislation quietly cleared a major hurdle in Washington. In the early morning hours of March 5th, after a 20-hour marathon markup session, the House Agriculture Committee voted 34-17 to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 — dubbed "Farm Bill 2.0." With the priciest farm programs already locked in through last year's reconciliation bill, what's left may look slimmer on paper. But as TCS President Steve Ellis and Director of Research and Policy Josh Sewell break down, don't let the size fool you.

A new farm bill has passed out of the House Agriculture Committee to be considered by Congress. If successful it will be the first Farm Bill passed since 2018.  Commodity programs, crop insurance and foreign market development  are increased but nutrition programs are not. SNAP cuts from recent legislation were not recovered, yet. Nor have corn growers gotten the expansion in ethanol programs that they sought. California’s proposition 12, requiring specified space for animals if the meat is to be sold in Caliofornia would be ended, as would certain local or state limitations on application of pesticides near public buildings. CA Congressan Mike Thompson has been meeting with farmers to hear their concerns and needs. As the Farm Bill moves to Congress, he shares what farmer’s are saying and how he plans to help.

*Texas will have a new Commissioner of Agriculture next year.   *Corn acreage is switching to soybeans this season.  *Texas sheep producers are in Washington this week.   *Texas High Plains farmers are responding to a bizarre winter.  *New pasture and range products are available this year.  *The House Agriculture Committee has been hard at work on the Farm Bill.  *USDA economists predict some shifting crop acres as farmers continue to face a difficult economy. *Some of the medication used in horses are approved as medical devices. 

Approving a stand-alone farm bill is proving to be an uphill climb. Division along party lines was evident in opening statements in the House Agriculture Committee. South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson says key issues are split along party lines. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley hopes for progress on a farm bill and E15 legislation. 

*The Secretary of Agriculture visited a Texas farm.   *Fed cattle prices are setting record highs.  *The International Livestock Congress is this week during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. *Texas Panhandle dairies need a lot of water to operate.  *There's some new hay equipment coming out this year.  *The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee was in Texas last week.  *Corn planting is getting underway in Central Texas.  *There are a couple of way to give an equine herpes virus vaccine.  

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall encouraged House Agriculture Committee members to approve a new farm bill when they consider policy next week. Duvall called on Senate Ag leaders to do likewise.  Duvall says farmers are grateful for Bridge Assistance payments but said Congress needs to approve additional funds for struggling producers. 

The House Agriculture Committee released draft farm bill text late last week, and many agricultural industry groups have welcomed and applauded the language, but not all. Nebraska Extension Farm Policy Specialist Brad Lubben talks about difficulties that our elected officials are facing when it comes to enacting farm policy.

02/25/26: Joel Heitkamp is joined by former Congressman Collin Peterson the morning after President Trump's State of the Union address. Congressman Peterson represented Minnesota’s Seventh District from 1991 to 2021. He served as Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee from 2005 to 2021. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee has released its latest attempt to get congressional support for a new farm bill.

*Showing sheep at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo*Texas High Plains farmers should consider the region's dry climate when considering converting cropland to grassland.*Beef demand remains strong in America.*The House Agriculture Committee is expected to consider the Farm Bill 2.0 later this month.*A vegan could become the next ranking member on Senate Ag. *It's spring calving season. 

President Trump announces a $12 billion aid package for American farmers as the White House continues to struggle to address concerns about affordability. Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) reacts to the aid package as a member of the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) launches her campaign for Texas Senate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Congresswoman Angie Craig, the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, discusses some of the hardships that are impacting farmers and ranchers across the country. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*The Texas Panhandle cotton crop is looking good.  *A Texan is now the press secretary for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.  *U.S. lamb sales are seeing significant growth. *Livestock Risk Protection coverage may help with the current volatility in the cattle markets. *The Beef Industry Long Range Plan has several goals.  *A Texas congressman recently visited an East Texas ranch.  *Corn harvest is well underway in the Texas Southern Plains.  *There is a new non-invasive method for tracking stomach ulcers in horses.

Follow us on X: @derrickvanorden @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Congressman Derrick Van Orden who proudly represents the people of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022. He is the Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee and House Armed Services Committee. The conversation focuses on: * Congressman Van Orden's authored VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which allows veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgages to receive federal assistance. * The impact of The One Big Beautiful Bill Act | No tax on tips, no tax on social security, and key benefits for the middle class and small business owners. * Congressman Van Orden's Bill to Restore Integrity in Agriculture Immigrant Workforce System, and preventing labor shortages. During his time in office, Derrick has focused on providing for farmers, veterans, and service members, and has been a staunch advocate for fiscal responsibility and accountability in Washington. Derrick's journey of public service started when he joined the Navy at the age of 18. He had the honor to serve our great nation for 26 years. He retired as a Navy SEAL Senior Chief with 5 combat deployments and several others to troubled areas in the world. His first combat deployment was to Bosnia Herzegovina immediately following the signing of the Dayton Accords. During this time, he came to understand how truly unique and wonderful America is, and why She is not only worth emulating but protecting. Derrick continued his service with multiple combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, he served in the Horn of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South and Central America. During his tour in Europe in 2012, he was responsible for planning Special Operations contingency operations for the European Continent. Follow us on X: @derrickvanorden @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

A shocking sea change in food and agriculture policy is underway in Washington DC. Policies that were improving human health through better nutrition, rural economies, small and mid-scale growers have been decimated. Trade and immigration policies are harming the largest farms. The future looks bleak to many. But Maine's veteran of the House Ag Committee, Chellie Pingree shares her honest thoughts on what may lay ahead and how we can maintain the course toward a healthy, resilient and just food and farming system.

In this second part of our special report tackling the pressing issue of food security in America, particularly the threats posed by agro-terrorism, we welcome key guests including Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States, who shares insights on the infiltration of Chinese nationals in critical U.S. sectors, the implications for food security, and the need for stringent measures to protect American agriculture. We also hear from Congressman Dr. Mark Harris, a key member of the House Agriculture Committee, and Janice Trey, CEO of The Epoch Times, as she shares the publication's origins and its mission to expose the realities of repression in China. Janice discusses the challenges faced by the Shen Yun Performing Arts tour in the U.S. amidst threats from the Chinese Communist Party and highlights the ongoing cyber aggression from China..See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you think of the county fair, you might picture carnival rides, fried food, and blue ribbons. But what about bringing home a freezer full of meat? When you head to the county fair, you can support young producers and stock up on beef, pork, or lamb. Andy Geiss joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss the possibilities. Geiss operates Geiss Meat Service in Merrill. He's also the president of the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors. Geiss walks us through the process of buying meat at the fair and why it matters for your community. He says before placing a bid at the livestock auction, you should know how much meat you’ll be bringing home and if you have enough freezer space. Dangerously hot weather will blanket Wisconsin today. Stu Muck also cautions that there could be some sporadic thunderstorms that might pop up and create havoc too. Sometimes things don't go according to plan, but that can create opportunity. Randy Cath with the Steffes Group auction firm joins Pam Jahnke to highlight an upcoming Wisconsin auction that features gently used harvest equipment that won't be needed by the owner, but could be a wonderful addition to another farm. Cath says sometimes farms have more equipment than their acres require and that presents a great opportunity. Paid for by Steffes Group. Today the House Agriculture Committee will take a look at a "fix" for California's Proposition 12. Will Coggin from the Center for Environment and Welfare says consumers have had it with the escalated price on pork and eggs within their borders. Now the challenge will be to overcome the heavily funded animal rights activists that created Prop 12, with a more moderate approach to farming methods. The excessive heat Wisconsin will experience today is only one of the elements that county fairs and their exhibitor will have to overcome and manage through. Kiley Allan visits with Bernie O'Rourke, UW-Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, about all the stress exhibitors and their animals can experience. Different surroundings, sounds, people, water - it adds up! Making sure that exhibitors have their eyes wide open to the challenges before they leave the farm is not only critical, but a public safety issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest host Ryland Barton leads a discussion about agriculture in Kentucky with State Senator Jason Howell (R-Murray), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee; State Representative Chad Aull (D-Lexington), member of the House Agriculture Committee; Sandra Ballew Barnes, Community Farm Alliance; and Leandra Forman of FoodChain, a nonprofit working to increase access to locally-sourced fresh food.

*Cattle herd rebuilding may be getting underway.    *Registration is underway for Texas A&M's Prescribed Burning School.  *Winter wheat harvest has come to a halt due to rain. *West Texas A&M is helping the beef industry deal with increasing feedlot cattle weights.*U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins gave the House Agriculture Committee and update on her efforts to improve ag trade.*Cowherd expansion is slow, while cattle prices continue to hit new records.  *The lower Coastal Bend of Texas has been in a prolonged drought.  *There are aggressive bees in Texas that will attack livestock.  

Today on AgNet News Hour: Pork Policy, Labor Pressure, Solar Land Fights, and Father's Day in the Fields As we roll into Father's Day weekend, the AgNet News Hour brings you a Friday episode full of critical updates, meaningful insights, and a few laughs along the way. Hosted by Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni and Josh McGill, today's show is a must-listen for growers, ranchers, and anyone working to keep American agriculture thriving. The headline segment centers around U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins' testimony to the House Agriculture Committee. Her message is clear: the USDA is putting farmers first. She covers a lot of ground, from slashing red tape and expanding global trade to confronting Prop 12, managing labor issues, and sounding the alarm on misguided solar expansion onto prime ag land. Rollins doesn't mince words when it comes to the impact of California's Prop 12 pork regulations, which she says have created unfair burdens for producers nationwide. She also addresses the urgent need for sensible immigration and farm labor policy — especially in light of recent ICE enforcement actions in ag communities. If you're concerned about labor availability or the future of farm employment in California, you'll want to hear what was said. Another hot-button issue is the ongoing push to install solar panels on fertile farmland. Assembly Bill 1156 is in the crosshairs. Nick and Josh don't hold back on what they see as an attack on California agriculture — one that undermines food production in favor of energy policy. It's a passionate segment that speaks directly to the heart of the ag community. Plus, veteran PCA Todd Burkdoll joins the show to talk crop protection, fungicide strategies for almonds, and how growers can manage this season's volatile weather patterns. This Father's Day weekend, while you're firing up the grill or heading out for some time with family, make time for today's AgNet News Hour. It's informative, entertaining, and speaks directly to the issues that matter most to our agricultural families.

This week's Open Mic guest is U.S. Representative Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. The Minnesota Democrat stands in strong opposition to the House Reconciliation Act that took billions of dollars from the SNAP program to make room for tax cuts and adds to the nation's budget deficit. Craig opposes the Trump administration's use of tariffs and doesn't believe the nation's farm economy can withstand the economic challenges presented by reciprocal tariffs from offended trading partners. Craig says change to farm and food programs should come from regular order in Congress and not from the MAHA Commission. 

*The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee defended farm safety net spending.  *Drought conditions are improving across parts of Texas.  *Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz is asking the U.S. Trade Representative to include the 1944 water treaty in the USMCA. *Memorial Day will kick off the summer grilling season.  *Cattle feeders in Texas are enjoying a period of economic strength.  *EPA has released a draft insecticide strategy.  *Temperatures are heating up on the Texas Southern Plains.  *A mare must produce good quality colostrum for the newborn foal to be healthy.  

*The condition of the Texas winter wheat crop is improving.  *A new bill to help fight screwworms has been introduced in Congress.   *There is a very high likelihood of screwworms reentering Texas in the coming months. *Texas state legislators are addressing foreign ownership of agricultural land.  *The House Agriculture Committee has passed its part of the budget reconciliation package.  *Insects are a big issue that farmers have to deal with all the time.  *It looks like summer is coming early for extreme South Texas.  *A recent study measures pain in foals using facial expression.  

Budget reconciliation isn't new, but it hasn't ever been used to reshape core farm bill programs. The House Agriculture Committee passed its budget reconciliation this week and wants to have it up for a House vote before Memorial Day, says Tyler Wenzlaff, Director of National Affairs with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. He says there were key provisions for farmers that they're excited about, including a raise in reference prices for crop safety nets, and an update to the Dairy Margin Coverage program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump‘s “Big Beautiful Bill” isn't so beautiful for poor people. Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of big cuts to Medicaid. The issue now goes to the House Budget Committee to be merged with legislation from other committees, like the House Agriculture Committee. Ag members voted along party lines to cut as much as $300 billion in nutritional food aid. Both issues affect the poorest Americans and are part of Trump's efforts to slash spending to pay for Republicans' domestic policy agenda. From arguments on birthright citizenship to rumblings that the Trump administration has plans to suspend habeas corpus, there are many legal issues to discuss. Enter former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, David Katz. J-L Cauvin is in for Mark. His background as both a lawyer and a comedian makes for an intelligent and lively conversation.

On Thursday's AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show with a look at markets as Jacob Burks from AgMarket.net joins us in Segment One. Next up in Segment Two, we discuss the reconciliation process in the House this week with National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner. In Segment Three, we discuss legislation impacting water infrastructure in the state of Texas and have a conversation with Amy Hardberger, George W. McCleskey Professor of Water Law; Director of the Center for Water Law and Policy at Texas Tech University. Then we close the show with more recap of this week's markup in the House Agriculture Committee and the fight over SNAP between Republicans and Democrats.

Today’s guest is Rep. Angie Craig. She is a representative from the 2nd District of Minnesota and the Ranking Member on the House Agriculture Committee. http://www.ParamountBroadcasting.com/audio/podcasts/2025/20250502ABR.mp3

This week's agriculture news includes a newly released report showing an increase in farm bankruptcies, an update on California's Proposition 12 and sources indicating that the House Agriculture Committee is aiming for early May to mark up its portion of the president's party-line bill. We also take a look at what may be next for Summit Carbon Solutions, along with global agriculture developments in Vietnam, Argentina and the cotton industry. Plus, we bring you the latest updates on tariffs, fertilizer markets, and this week's crop progress report.In celebration of National Volunteer Week, this week's interview includes a conversation with two Channel SeedPros Matt Blodet from Maine and Ellen Rahn from Illinois. The two share insights on the refreshed Channeling Good initiative. The program is now taking a more localized approach, empowering Channel SeedPros to nominate nonprofit organizations within their own communities for funding to support impactful, grassroots projects across the country. We also chat about what is ahead for the brand this growing season.Stay connected with us for more agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

Friday on AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show with a look at ag news headlines including thoughts on Monday's upcoming grain stocks report and more. In Segment Two, we have a conversation with the Ranking Member on the House Agriculture Committee, Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN). Next up in Segment Three, we discuss Iowa Ag Week, get an update on HPAI and more with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Then we close the show in Segment Four discussing the newly released FBN Planting Intentions Report with Cody Bills, Director, US Market Advisory and Brokerage for FBN.  

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, MIRS meets Meghan Kennedy Riordan, president of Irish Network Detroit. Meghan shares details about Michigan's relationship with Ireland, and why there are efforts to create a Michigan-Ireland Trade Commission (3:23).  Also, the team catches up with outgoing Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement. She talks about why she's leaving the state's highest court, and why she likely would not have pursued a Republican nomination again to return to the court (15:26).  MIRS catches up with State Rep. Jerry Neyer, chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He's introducing legislation to reframe the regulatory future of turning organic waste to biogas energy (33:20). 

On this episode, two NCBA members join to share insights from their testimonies before Congress. Kansas Livestock Association President and cattle producer Troy Sander appeared before the House Agriculture Committee to talk about the cattle industry's top policy priorities including passing the Farm Bill, reducing taxes, protecting the herd from New World screwworm, and protecting the Beef Checkoff. On the same day, Washington Cattlemen's Association member and rancher Kent Clark testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on the risk that dangerous predator reintroduction has on cattle producers and rural communities. Sander and Clark share information about their personal backgrounds and their key message to policymakers.

On Tuesday, the House narrowly approved a Republican budget proposal calling for $2 trillion in federal spending cuts. The proposal specifically calls for the House Agriculture Committee to find $230 billion worth of reduced spending, which will be challenging without touching the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. At the same time, cabinet officials in the current administration support limiting what can be purchased through the program. In Oregon, food banks across the state have been seeing increased need in their communities. Matt Newell-Ching is the policy manager at the Oregon Food bank. He joins us to share what demand is currently looking like across the state and how it’s preparing for potential cuts and restrictions to federal programs. 

Agriculture leaders took their turn to discuss the farm economy in testimony before the House Agriculture Committee today. The Hunger Caucus was introduced again today in Washington. 

U.S. Congressman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania is back leading the U.S. House Agriculture Committee as Chairman. Thompson was recently at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas and his message to farmers was that he's committed to passing a Farm Bill soon.

*Agriculture Secretary nominee Brook Rollins had her hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee.  *Rollins continues to get high praise from the agriculture community.*House Agriculture Committee leaders were in Texas this week. *Cattle prices are strong and the outlook for 2025 is positive.  *Texas Panhandle wheat is in good condition at the mid-point of the growing season.  *The very cold temperatures experienced on the Southern Plains of Texas challenged the region's water system for agricultural producers.  *Slow flow nipples are recommended for baby calves.  

*Enrollment is open for the ARC and PLC programs for the 2025 crop year.  *Texas soybean acreage was down last year.   *The National Cotton Council is pursuing priority issues in Washington.*Two Texas lawmakers will sit on the House Agriculture Committee this session.  *Urban sprawl continues to take Texas farm and pastureland.  *The winter wheat crop in the Texas Panhandle is about halfway through the growing season.  *The second arctic blast of the winter had Central Texas cattle producers busy keeping their livestock safe.  *Vitamin E is an important vitamin for horses.  

Wisconsin has another voice on the House Agriculture Committee. Freshman member Congressman Tony Wied represents District 8 in the House of Representatives. He gets started on his first full session in office after finishing the remainder of former Congressman Mike Gallagher's late last year. Congressman Wied introduces himself to us today. He also outlines his priorities for his first year in office, which include passing a Farm Bill, repealing the "death tax" or estate taxes to ease the transition of a farm to the next generation, and supporting forestry. Congressman Wied joins Congressman Derrick Van Orden on the House Agriculture Committee. He also serves on transportation and small business committees in the House of Representatives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is Rep. Tracey Mann (KS-01), a member of the House Agriculture Committee in Washington, DC http://www.ParamountBroadcasting.com/audio/podcasts/2025/20250123ABR.mp3

Wednesday on AOA, we start the show with reaction to Treasury's 45Z guidance with Monte Shaw, Executive Director for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. In Segment Two, have the markets moved past the USDA data dump from last Friday? What market factors lie ahead? Naomi Blohm from Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss.   In Segment Three, we have a conversation with the new Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN). Then we close the show with a look at ag news headlines in Segment Four.

Congressman Derrick Van Orden serves Wisconsin’s Third District. He’s also on the House Agriculture Committee. His to-do list in 2025 – reducing input costs, making the agricultural labor process more effective for farmers, and passing the Farm Bill that the House drafted during the last administration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office on January 20 and Congress will have a Republican majority in both chambers.Some members of Minnesota's congressional delegation will have influential roles. U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer will serve as the House GOP Whip. Minnesota will have a big role in shaping farm policy and nutrition programs - U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is now the third ranking Senate Democrat and the lead Democrat on the Agriculture Committee and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is taking on a new role as the top-ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about how the state's congressional delegation will fit in to a second Trump presidency.

The Political mess in the United States House of Representatives is nothing new. But there are definitely a few more wrinkles. Trump and Musk. The latest dust-up began early in the week when the Speaker shared the latest Budget Compromise with Democrats and Republicans.  And the world's richest man, who can't find shirts to fit, didn't like what he saw. So he began Tweeting. Hours later, I mean many hours, the president-elect weighed in. He didn't like it either. So a man who is not the president until Jan. 20, 2025 and another rich dude who paid to help get Trump elected, but want not born here and can never be President, blew up the budget deal.  Here is an important point: The "Four Corners" worked on the final documents and it was a compromise plan. COMPROMISE. That means not everybody got what they wanted, but they worked it out, and this was the agreement. Let me take a minute to explain the "Four Corners". These are lawmakers who are experts in their committee assignments. Two Democrats and two Republicans from the House and Senate. For example, one of the key budget items was the Farm Bill. And the need for farmers to get some fiscal help from the Government. It appeared a one-time aid package had been agreed upon by the lawmakers who make up the "four corners" in farm bill talks. Those lawmakers are Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pa., chairman of the House Agriculture Committee; Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee; Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee; and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  More on this story on gloriamoraga.com. Please subscribe.   

Light snow was falling in the Twin Cities Wednesday morning and there's more on the way for most of the state. MPR chief meteorologist Paul Huttner joins us with the details you need to plan your commute — plus, the odds of having a white Christmas and Hannukah. A housing program for moms in St. Louis Park cut its funding a year ago. Now it could get state money to help about 60 families stay in their homes.Minnesota 2nd District Rep. Angie Craig just became a leader of the House Agriculture Committee. We hear her plans for the farm bill.MPR News staff share their favorite parenting books of the year.Plus, we talk about 2024's most popular baby names in the state — with a baby name consultant.Our Minnesota Music Minute was a song from WE WIN drummers and Thomasina Petrus and our Song of the Day was “Yabba-Dabba Yuletide” by Brian Setzer Orchestra.

*The West Texas cotton crop has made a turn for the worse.  *Extreme and exceptional drought continues to spread in Texas.  *The ending of the port workers strike is good news for agriculture.*Halloween is bringing an unhappy trick for the Texas corn industry.  *A Texas congressman and the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee are asking the GAO to review the decision to allow fresh beef from Paraguay.  *Cotton harvest is slowly getting underway in the Texas Southern Plains.  *It feels like fall in the Central Texas Blacklands.  *Now is the time to assign a body condition score to all your beef cows. 

This week's Open Mic guest is Representative Mark Alford. The Missouri Republican joins the chorus of other farm state representatives calling for a new farm bill this year. Alford supports the House Agriculture Committee's farm bill with updated reference prices and improved SNAP benefits. He believes the EPA is overstepping its authority on tail pipe emission standards and regulation of crop pesticides.  Alford says conflict in the Black Sea and Middle East could have extreme consequences on the U.S. economy and American people.

Indiana Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN 4th District) was in White County last week for a Shop Talk event with the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance Membership and Policy Committee. He joined us for a discussion on the Farm Bill, trade in the Biden administration, and other ag topics in D.C. He provides a unique perspective given his seat at the table on the House Agriculture Committee. The Indiana Ag Policy Podcast is presented by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. It's also made possible by Beck's Hybrids and Indiana Farm Bureau.

Get the latest agriculture news in today's AgNet News Hour, hosted by Sabrina Halvorson. On today's show, a panel warns the House Agriculture Committee of a "perfect storm" for the farm economy and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is supporting sustainable pest management options with $2.6 million in grant funding. Tune in for this and more of the day's agriculture news. 

An extensive list of agriculture interests tell members of the House Agriculture Committee that farm debt is climbing and a new farm bill is needed to offset lower commodity prices, higher input costs and challenging interest rates.