The Senate Agriculture Committee’s first hearing is scheduled for today. Chairman Pat Roberts says it’s been one year since the passage of the farm bill -- and the committee has a responsibility to ensure farm bill programs are working as efficiently as Congress intended. Farmers and ranchers are working with the Agriculture Department to sign up for farm bill programs, but Roberts says there have been challenges in the process. Recognizing these concerns, the committee will hear thoughts from farmers and ranchers on the first panel, then Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack will testify on these concerns.

The National FFA Organization is celebrating National FFA Week with a host of activities are planned to raise awareness about FFA and the role it plays in the development of the agriculture industry’s future leaders and the importance of agricultural education. FFA was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Its mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. Since the founding the organization has taught generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting -- it involves science, business and more.

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