Skip to content

Senators Stabenow, Roberts Announce Witnesses for Upcoming Farm Bill Field Hearing in Michigan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today announced witnesses for the Committee’s field hearing in Frankenmuth, Mich. on the 2018 Farm Bill.  

The hearing, entitled “Growing Jobs and Economic Opportunity: Perspectives on the 2018 Farm Bill from Michigan,” will feature testimony from the witnesses below examining agriculture, as well as conservation, rural economic development, research, forestry, energy, and nutrition policies that affect Michigan.

Witness List:

Welcome Panel

Ronald Hendrick; Dean, Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; East Lansing, MI 

Panel 1
Janna Fritz
; JDF Farms, LLC; Bad Axe, MI; Corn, Dry Bean, Soybean, and Wheat Farmer; Board Member, Michigan Corn Growers

Chris Alpers; RedPath Orchards and Alpers Farms; Lake Leelanau, MI; Apple and Cherry Grower; Board Member, U.S. Apple Association

Rick Gerstenberger; Gerstenberger Farms Inc.; Snover, MI; Sugarbeet, Alfalfa, Corn, Dry Bean, Soybean, and Wheat Farmer; Chairman of the Board, Michigan Sugar Company

Darrin Siemen; Prime Land Farm; Harbor Beach, MI; Dairy, Beef Cattle, Corn, Sugarbeet and Wheat Farmer; Michigan Milk Producers Association

Andy Snider; Snider Farms, LLC; Hart, MI; Turkey, Hog, Corn and Soybean Farmer; Michigan Turkey Producers

David Williams; W Farms, LLC; Elsie, MI; Soybean, Corn and Wheat Farmer; President, Michigan Soybean Association

Adam Ingrao; Bee Wise Farms; Lansing, MI; Beekeeper; Founder, Michigan Farmer Veteran Coalition

Pam Bouma Miller; Hopyards of Kent; Greenville, MI; Hop Growers of Michigan

Panel 2

Oran Hesterman; President & CEO, Fair Food Network; Ann Arbor, MI

Faith Watson; Montcalm County SNAP Recipient; Greenville, MI

Jim Nugent; Fruit Grower; Chairman, Michigan Tree Fruit Commission; Suttons Bay, MI

Kyle Rorah; Great Lakes & Atlantic Region Policy Specialist, Ducks Unlimited;

Ann Arbor, MI

Jerry Ann Hebron; Urban Farmer; Executive Director, Northend Christian CDC; Detroit, MI

Collin Thompson; Manager, Michigan State University, USDA Organic Certified North Farm; Chatham, MI

Kristen Matson; Inventory & Planning Specialist, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division; Shingleton, MI

Bob Hance; President & CEO, Midwest Energy Cooperative; Cassopolis, MI

Field Hearing Details

What: U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Field Hearing on the 2018 Farm Bill

Date:  Saturday, May 6, 2017 

Time:  10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT

Place:  Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center - Michigan State University, 3775 S Reese Rd, Frankenmuth, MI

RSVP: To attend, email your name and organization (if representing a group) to MIRSVP@ag.senate.gov

Testimony: You are invited to submit testimony or comments for the official record for this field hearing in advance, but no later than May 12, 2017, either online at www.agriculture.senate.gov/farm-bill-input or by mailing it to the Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry, 328A Russell Senate Office Bldg, Washington, D.C. 20510.

Live Broadcast: The hearing will be webcast live on ag.senate.gov.

#