Cal Farm Bureau in D.C. and Railroad Staffing Shortages
From the Ag Information Network, this is your Agribusiness Update.
**The California Farm Bureau board of directors, members of this year’s Leadership Farm Bureau class and the organization’s federal policy team were in Washington, D.C., early this month, meeting with lawmakers to advocate on issues including passing the 2024 Farm Bill.
The House Ag Committee is expected to release final language this week.
The omnibus legislation supports farmers and ranchers through a variety of safety-net, farm-loan, conservation and disaster-assistance programs.
**Senator Tammy Baldwin, of Wisconsin, called on the six Class One railroads to address severe staffing shortages that are endangering workers and raising costs for farmers, businesses and consumers.
Baldwin says service levels for railroads recently experienced severe disruptions and certain metrics, particularly staffing, have yet to return to pre-COVID levels.
Since implementing a strategy to reduce costs by using longer trains and fewer staff, Class One railroads have reduced overall staff numbers by 30%.
**The Association of Equipment Manufacturers are pleased with this year’s Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The event facilitated an array of substantial policy discussions with agency officials who directly impact regulations critical to the equipment industry.
More than 15,000 people attended the three-day event, which featured combine harvesters, milking equipment, sprayers, planters, irrigation equipment, and tractors of all sizes.
