MINUTES

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

1:00 PM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.028

 

*****

 

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Rural Affairs was held on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.028, at Austin, Texas.

 

*****

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:		MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator Craig Estes, Chair		Senator Carlos Uresti, Vice Chair
Senator Glenn Hegar		Senator Mike Jackson
Senator Juan Hinojosa

 

*****

 

The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:03 PM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

 

Chairman Estes made opening remarks on Interim Charge #1: Study and make recommendations for ways to increase investment, employment and production in Texas agriculture. Include a review of current land use and market trends as they relate to agricultural use and make recommendations for ways to support and enhance small farm and ranch operations.

 

The Chair opened testimony. Witnesses testifying on the above charge are shown on the attached list.

 

Chairman Estes made opening remarks on Interim Charge #3: Assess the current veterinary medical workforce, and make recommendations to address any disparities between small animal (companion) and large animal (food/fiber) veterinarians. Review the Rural Veterinary Medical Loan program (RVML) and make recommendations to enhance the use of RVML funds and other funding sources to increase the veterinary medical workforce.

 

The Chair opened testimony. Witnesses testifying on the above charge are shown on the attached list.

 

 

 

Chairman Estes made opening remarks on Interim Charge #4: Review the impact of state laws relating to the closure of horse slaughter facilities across the United States. Analyze the impact on the equine industry and agricultural sector of the Texas economy.

 

The Chair opened testimony. Witnesses testifying and registering on the above charge are shown on the attached list.

 

There being no further business, at 6:38 PM Chairman Estes moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

 

 

 

__________________________________________

Senator Craig Estes, Chair

 

 

__________________________________________

Raenetta Nance, Clerk