In what is expected to be the first official work on the 2018 farm bill, Senate Agriculture Committee chairman Pat Roberts (R., Kan.) announced that his committee will hold the first field hearing Feb. 23 on the upcoming farm bill reauthorization.

“It’s time to get to work on another farm bill, and we’re heading straight to the heartland to talk directly to producers,” Roberts said. “I can’t think of a more appropriate venue to hold this hearing than Manhattan, Kan., the home of Kansas State University, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas Farm Bureau.”

He added, “Our producers have had time to employ the programs in the current farm bill, and they have a lot to say. We need clear direction on what is working and what is not working in farm country, and we will be listening to see what needs to be adjusted.”

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.), the committee's ranking member, added, “As we begin to have discussions about the next farm bill, we will need input from farmers and families all across the country. I am looking forward to this first field hearing in chairman Roberts' home state to hear directly from producers and others who care about rural America so we can craft a bill that continues to strengthen American agriculture as well as small towns and rural communities.”

The hearing will feature testimony from a variety of agricultural producers, who will be announced soon, a statement from Roberts’ office noted. The time of the hearing is yet to be determined. It will be held at the McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University, 1501 Goldstein Circe, Manhattan, Kan. 66506.

The hearing will be webcast live on ag.senate.gov.