Cline Hosts Annual Agriculture Conference

MOUNT JACKSON, VA – Yesterday, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) hosted his annual Agriculture Conference to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders about the key issues affecting the agriculture industry in Virginia’s Sixth District. Congressman Cline’s Agriculture Conference included touring an apple orchard in Timberville to see firsthand the impacts of the apple freeze on Virginia’s producers, hosting a Roundtable with regional farmers to discuss how to keep Virginia agriculture thriving, and touring a cattle farm in Woodstock to discuss the challenges facing Virginia’s cattle producers. “Farmers are the backbone of our Nation, and they deserve leaders who will fight for them both publicly and behind closed doors,” said Rep. Cline. “I am proud to support legislation that reduces burdens on our farmers and recognizes the vital role they play in keeping our Nation strong. Hearing directly from producers and understanding the challenges they face is essential to pursuing meaningful solutions that support their livelihoods and the future of American agriculture. Their work sustains our communities, strengthens our economy, and plays a vital role in our Nation’s future. I am proud to stand with the farmers who feed our communities.” --- The Roundtable was attended by Wilmer Stoneman, Virginia State Director, USDA Farm Service Agency; Senator Timmy French; Delegate Justin Pence; Tristan Williams and Jamie Williams, Shenandoah Valley Orchards; Olivia Gyapong, National Affairs Specialist and Regulatory Policy Analyst, Governmental Relations, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation; Pete Cypret, CEO, Farm Credit of the Virginias; Kyley Clevenger, Director of the Knowledge Center of Farm Credit of the Virginias;  Nicole Clem, Agriculture Relationship Manager at Horizon Farm Credit; and Raechel Sattazahn, Director of Government Relations, Industry, & Member Relations at Horizon Farm Credit; Taylor Hubbard, Director of Government Affairs, Virginia Agribusiness Council; Hobey Bauhan, President, Virginia Poultry Foundation; Dale Nellor, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, National Turkey Federation; Brandon Reeves, Executive Director, Virginia Cattleman; Zoe Wallace, Director of Government Affairs, National Cattlemen; Margaret Ann Smith, Southlex Cattle Company, LLC; Philip Glaize, Glaize Apples; Robert Hupman, Hazard Mill Farm; Ty Saunders, Saunders Brothers; Clay Greene, District 5 Representative, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers; Cheyenne Rhodes, District 6 Representative, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee; Jamie Pence, District 6 Representative, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers; Leila Longcor, Chair of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors; Dwayne Martin, Deputy Administrator of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors; John Jewell, Chair of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. ###