Pennsylvania Senate Republicans Highlight State of Livestock Industry

Strategic Insights -

At the Ag Progress Days event, the Pennsylvania Senate Republicans co-hosted a joint informational hearing with the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees to discuss the state of the livestock industry in Pennsylvania. The hearing, led by Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. and Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, featured industry leaders representing dairy, beef, swine, poultry, and sheep interests, as well as U.S. Rep. Glenn 'G.T.' Thompson. The committee members heard from 7 industry leaders, who shared their perspectives on the growth and challenges of the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The livestock industry generates billions of dollars in economic output and stimulates rural communities throughout Pennsylvania.
  • The poultry industry has become Pennsylvania's top agriculture sector by revenue, reaching $2.6 billion in 2022.
  • The sheep industry is experiencing a significant evolution in economic and ecological valuation, with sheep becoming a valued asset for land management.
  • Industry leaders highlighted challenges such as increased input costs, shortage of veterinarian care, and burdens from environmental regulation and permit requirements.
  • The hearing reinforced the importance of the livestock industry as the lifeblood of Pennsylvania agriculture.
  • Industry leaders noted the growth and success within their individual industries, with some aspects reaching as high as 55% growth in U.S. poultry production from 2017 to 2021.
  • Clark's Feed Mill, Inc. reported that poultry officially became Pennsylvania's top agriculture sector by revenue in 2022, hitting $2.6 billion for the first time.
  • Dan Turner, president of the PA Sheep and Wool Growers Association, highlighted the significant evolution in the economic and ecological valuation of sheep in Pennsylvania.

Statistics:

  • U.S. poultry production surged by 55% from 2017 to 2021, reaching $7 million.
  • Poultry became Pennsylvania's top agriculture sector by revenue in 2022, hitting $2.6 billion for the first time.
  • Sheep numbers may see the largest increase in over a century due to the evolution in economic and ecological valuation of sheep in Pennsylvania.

Sources:

  • Pennsylvania Senate Republicans
  • Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees
  • Tessa Applegate, Chief Financial Officer for Clark's Feed Mill, Inc.
  • Dan Turner, President of the PA Sheep and Wool Growers Association
  • U.S. Rep. Glenn 'G.T.' Thompson
  • "Joint Agriculture Committee Hearing Sheds Light on State of PA Livestock Industry Says Vogel, Pashinski." Pennsylvania Senate Republicans. https://www.pasenategop.com/news/joint-agriculture-committee-hearing-sheds-light-on-state-of-pa-livestock-industry-says-vogel-pashinski/