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New House Ag Committee chair plans to scrutinize ag program spending

A fellow Republican on the House Ag Committee is pleased the new chairman plans to take a deep look at USDA spending.

Randy Feenstra of Iowa tells Brownfield Glenn GT Thompson will ensure oversight of ag program dollars.

“Especially at USDA. There are a lot of programs that are happening right now and there has been some concerns of where these dollars are going. The bottom line is we need (those dollars) going to rural producers.”

Increasingly, he says money is going to urban communities when it should be directed to where farming is occurring.

“Obviously that’s what it is, the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s not the U.S. Department of Urban Society. So that’s what we’re asking for is hey, let’s look at all the programs, let’s see where the money is going, and make sure that (the money) stays in rural America.”

Feenstra says he’s thrilled Thompson will be leading on the next farm bill.