LUBBOCK, Texas – Yesterday, U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, visited with agricultural leaders from the Lubbock area about what needs to be included in the next Farm Bill.

About the visit, Sen. Cruz said, “Sitting down with leaders within the agricultural community in the panhandle provided me with insight about what this region needs included in the next Farm Bill. These farmers and ranchers contribute enormously to our economy, and I’m proud to advocate for them in the United States Senate. The Lone Star State is our nation’s most populous agricultural state, with 77% of Texan land allotted to agricultural purposes. With over 130 million acres dedicated to agriculture in Texas, I’m glad Senator Boozman and I were able to meet with area leaders ahead of tackling this legislation.”

Sen. Boozman said, “It is important to get out of Washington and visit with stakeholders to hear firsthand what they need included in the next Farm Bill. I appreciated hearing from the dedicated farmers and ranchers Senator Cruz brought together in Lubbock to help us learn how their experiences can help shape this critical legislation. They offered valuable input to consider as we improve policies to better support the agriculture community.”

BACKGROUND

Lubbock was the last leg of Sen. Cruz’s cross-state agriculture tour. Sen. Cruz was joined by the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Sen. Boozman, for a portion of the tour.

• Monday, Sen. Cruz met with south Texas agricultural leaders to discuss priorities for the next Farm Bill in Harlingen, Texas.
• Tuesday, Sens. Cruz and Boozman met with Coastal Bend area agricultural leaders and participated in a Panhandle Agriculture Roundtable with community and industry leaders in Amarillo.
• Wednesday, Sens. Cruz and Boozman met with more agricultural leaders in Lubbock to discuss what needs to be included in the upcoming Farm Bill to set them up for success.

###