Agriculture

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) release of the "Box Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report." This investigation was announced by USDA Secretary Perdue on August 29, 2019, following the Holcomb, Kansas fire and was expanded to cover COVID-19 after the cattle market faced price disruption.

Washington, D.C. – Today, during the House Agriculture Committee's Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations Subcommittee hearing, Subcommittee Ranking Member Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Ibach on the ongoing investigation into the cattle markets following the Holcomb, Kansas fire in 2019.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

When Secretary Perdue announced the creation of the Farmers to Families Food Box program, I was excited.

This was a way to expeditiously assist producers—many of whom were plowing over crops or dumping milk because of supply chain disruptions—as well as consumers who found themselves in circumstances beyond their control, and in great need.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and U.S. Reps.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act. This legislation will allow state inspected meat to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief COVID-19 Act to support small meatpacking plants working overtime during COVID-19. Amid large plant closures, small packing plants have extended hours to ensure our supply chain keeps moving – this comes with added costs.

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM), both members of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address the urgent issues facing America's agriculture economy and food supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Farming Support to States Act would provide states access to immediate, flexible funding to ensure farmers and rural businesses have the tools needed to respond and rebuild more resilient supply chains right here in South Dakota. U.S.