"It's my privilege to be here this morning to introduce my good friend and the President of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, Mr. Mark Haney of Pulaski County. Mark is a proud Kentucky farmer, and it runs in the family. He and his brother, Don, grow apples and peaches and raise cattle on their farm near Nancy, Kentucky.
"First elected as president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau in 2008, Mark has a proven record advocating on behalf of Kentucky's farmers and farm families on both state and national issues. As a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Board of Directors, Mark is here today not only representing farmers from my home state, but also as an advocate on behalf of millions of farm families from across the country.
"Representing nearly every part of the agricultural economy, the AFBF can share important information with us as we continue our work on the 2018 Farm Bill. I'm thankful to have a fellow Kentuckian in a leadership role at AFBF, ensuring that Kentucky's priorities are always a part of the national agriculture discussion.
"Knowing Mark personally for many years, he has shown himself to be a strong leader in Kentucky's robust farming sector. Like most of the home states of members of this Committee, Kentucky has a vibrant farming community that deserves our support. We are also a state that produces a diverse array of agriculture commodities. With horses, cattle, corn, soybeans, and tobacco -- just to name a few -- Kentucky has a long history of supporting family farmers who are impacted by an array of programs under the Farm Bill.
"When I first entered the Senate, I knew that I wanted to sit on this Committee to be Kentucky's voice on our nation's agricultural policies -- a position I'm honored to still hold today. Through the years, Mark and the Kentucky Farm Bureau have provided valuable insight to me as a member of this Committee, and I'm very grateful for that support. This morning, he will continue to aid our work, highlighting the priorities for farmers in my state and from across the nation. His testimony will provide useful insights into the challenges facing American farm families and how Congress can help.
"Thank you for allowing me to introduce Mark this morning. I would like to thank Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow for hosting this hearing. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues as we continue to look at ways to help support and expand America's farm economy."