TEXAS FARM BUREAU

1. TFB adamantly opposes the methodology used by USDA to deliver disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers who suffered losses from drought and other natural disasters over the 2022 crop year. TFB urges lawmakers to reach out to USDA to express grave concerns. 2. TFB lobbied for 2023-2024 disaster assistance for producers suffering losses from drought and natural disasters, especially from wildfires.

1. TFB advocated for making certain provisions permanent in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, such as the death tax exemption rate, section 199A business income deduction, sec. 179, and bonus depreciation.

1. TFB advocated for various animal health provisions to be included in the Fiscal Year 2023 Agricultural Appropriations. These provisions would help farmers and ranchers dealing with the electronic ID for cattle, cattle fever tick, feral hogs, and other predator control. 2. TFB advocated for FY2025 appropriations to reinstate the production and distribution of M-44, a predation control too used by sheep and goat producers.

1. TFB advocated to create a new agricultural guest worker program for farmers and ranchers. TFB is seeking comprehensive reform to our agricultural guest worker program, known as H-2A. TFB is working to address four issues in the legislation to ensure the bill addresses the needs of producers. 2. TFB supports and advocated for Rep. John Moolenaars, Supporting Farm Operations Act (H.R. 7046), which will address the high labor costs facing farmers. The bill would freeze the wage rate for migrant farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). 3. TFB supported the H-2A Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, HR 4708, by Congressman Tony Gonzales, which aims to streamline the issuance of nonimmigrant temporary work visas.

1. TFB expressed support for the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification (HPAI) Act. The bill would expand the USDA APHIS compensation program to all poultry growers and layer operations within a highly pathogenic avian influenza control area, rather than only those whose flocks are infected. TFB also advocated for other solutions to provide additional assistance for poultry growers.