Kansas Wheat Growers Applaud Reps. Mann and Davids for Farm Bill Amendments
The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers applauds Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) for their work on the Farm Bill.
Enterprise Unit Separation
Rep. Mann introduced an amendment which inserts language that would allow for the insuring of wheat enterprise units by fallow and continuous, while still offering a combined option, beginning with the 2026 crop year.
This amendment parallels KAWG policy. Read more:
Winter Wheat as a Harvestable Cover Crop
Rep. Davids offered an amendment on the use of winter wheat as a cover crop. She said this amendment, “would direct the Natural Resources Conservation Service to conduct a study of the benefits of winter wheat as a cover crop when brought through to harvest, and dependent on the outcome of that study, potentially allow for winter wheat to be classified as both a cash and cover crop.
Rep. Davids said, “I’m proud to represent the Wheat State. In the 2023 crop year, Kansas farmers planted 8.1 million acres of winter wheat. Given the unique conditions our farmers face, winter wheat can serve as an effective cover crop, offering significant ecological benefits, such as erosion control, water conservation, temperature regulation, weed suppression and improved soil health. If indicated in the proposed study, this dual classification would support Kansas farmers and lead to increased use of cover cropping and its conservation benefits. Mr. Chairman, I hope we can work together to address this issue and support wheat growers. If I can receive your commitment to continue working together on this issue, I’ll withdraw my amendment.”
“I appreciate your amendment on behalf of wheat growers, and I certainly commit to work with you as we go forward on this amendment,” said Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA).
The KAWG recognizes the soil and environmental benefits of wheat in a crop rotation and therefore wheat that is intentionally seeded and harvestable should have the option of being classified as a cover crop for purposes of NRCS and other climate smart programs. Read more:
Winter Wheat as a Harvestable Cover Crop
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers Statement
These resolutions of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers were brought to the National Association of Wheat Growers and to members of Congress through Hill visits over the past few years.
“We are pleased that Representatives Mann and Davids have heard the concerns of Kansas wheat growers and offered these valuable amendments,” said KAWG Vice President Chris Tanner who farms near Norton, Kansas and chairs the KAWG Policy Committee. “Growing wheat on fallow ground versus continuous are two very different practices with different yield potentials. We applaud Rep. Mann for recognizing the needs of Kansas farmers.
“Likewise, in the arid climate of western Kansas, traditional cover crops deplete the land of valuable moisture and provide a yield drag on the following crop,” he said. “Winter wheat is essentially the Great Plains’ original cover crop, providing conservation benefits and protecting the soil. Rep. Davids’ amendment recognizes these advantages, and we applaud her support of the wheat farmers in Kansas. We look forward to working with her office and the Natural Resources Conservation Service on the proposed study of the benefits of winter wheat as a harvestable cover crop.”
Davids also offered an amendment stating, “The Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives finds that Federal crop insurance is fundamental to American farmers; and expresses support for the importance of such Federal program.”
The KAWG recognizes crop insurance as the primary safety net for agricultural producers.
The House Committee on Agriculture passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (H.R. 8472) on May 23, on a bipartisan vote of 33-21.
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Written by Marsha Boswell for Kansas Wheat