The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“102ND ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H164 on Jan. 11, 2018.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
102ND ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW
(Mr. SMUCKER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday I attended the 102nd Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. It was great to speak to and see so many constituents there supporting and learning about our agriculture community.
The farm show is special to Pennsylvania. It is the Nation's largest indoor agricultural event. It showcases more than 12,000 competitive exhibits, more than half of which are animal exhibits. More than 1,000 exhibitors and competitors were from my congressional district, like Natalie Eberly, who was showing Polled Hereford beef cattle.
It is well known for its delicious food, which I enjoyed and which raises money for nonprofits that support our agriculture community. This farm show highlights just a sliver of the industry that employs nearly half a million people in Pennsylvania and contributes $185 billion to our economy each year.
Special thanks to Congressman G.T. Thompson, my colleague from Pennsylvania, who is vice chair of the ag committee who conducted a listening session with other members of the Pennsylvania delegation, as well as members of the ag committee. I was very pleased to welcome to Pennsylvania Roger Marshall from Kansas and Ranking Member Collin Peterson. It was a great session with many members of the ag community from across Pennsylvania.
I also would like to thank Farm Show Executive Director Sharon Altland for once again putting on a fantastic show. I also thank PA Ag Secretary Redding and U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Greg Ibach for attending and participating in the listening session as well.
Once again, fabulous show. I look forward to attending again next year.
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