Drought, Fire and Freeze: The Economics of Disasters for America’s Agricultural Producers

Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013
Time: 09:30 AM
Location: 328A Russell Senate Office Building

From the devastation of the Dust Bowl in the ‘30s to the historic droughts that parched much of the country last year, weather disasters have played a significant role in the story of American agriculture – as well as the nation’s economic security. This hearing examined the toll weather disasters have taken on American agriculture – which employs 16 million Americans – and what steps can be taken to safeguard the economy from future catastrophes. Witnesses included Dr. Joe Glauber, Chief Economist at the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and Dr. Roger Pulwarty, Director of the National Integrated Drought Information System at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as farmers and ranchers from across the country.

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Member Statements

Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow Democrat (Michigan)
- Adobe Acrobat Document Chairwoman Stabenow Opening Statement 2-14-13

Witnesses

Panel I

Dr. Joe Glauber
Chief Economist

United States Department of Agriculture

Washington , DC
- Adobe Acrobat DocumentDownload Testimony
Dr. Roger Pulwarty
Director

National Integrated Drought Information System - NOAA

Boulder , CO
- Adobe Acrobat DocumentDownload Testimony

Panel II

Mr. Leon LaSalle
Rancher

Havre , MT
- Adobe Acrobat DocumentDownload Testimony
Ms. Anngie Steinbarger
Farmer

Edinburgh , IN
- Adobe Acrobat DocumentDownload Testimony
Mr. Jeff Send
Cherry Farmer

Leelanau , MI
- Adobe Acrobat DocumentDownload Testimony
Mr. Ben Steffen
Farmer

Steffen Ag, Inc.

Humboldt , NE
- Adobe Acrobat DocumentDownload Testimony