Davids Continues Farm Bill Listening Tour in Anderson County
GARNETT, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Phelon Farms, a corn grower in Garnett, as part of her ongoing Farm Bill Listening Tour. During her visit, she toured the operation, helped apply fertilizer, and held discussions with farm owners and agribusiness leaders, reaffirming her commitment to crafting a bipartisan Farm Bill that addresses the needs of Kansas agriculture.
With the Farm Bill extended through September 30, 2025, and negotiations ongoing, Davids is using her tour to reconnect with Kansas farmers, producers, and ranchers and gather input on their priorities. Davids, a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, serves as the Ranking Member of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee.
“Farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of our economy and communities, and their voices need to be at the center of the Farm Bill debate,” said Davids. “With so many facing uncertainty from tariffs, supply chain issues, and rising costs, we need to have their backs now more than ever. As I continue meeting with ag leaders across the Third District, I’m focused on making sure this bill supports the needs of every operation — from family-owned farms like Phelon Farms to our specialty crop growers and beyond.”
“As a farmer, I believe it is vital to work with our elected officials on both sides of the aisle to get a comprehensive Farm Bill passed,” said Adam Phelon, local farmer and Kansas Soybean Association board member. “Whether it be trade, tariffs, regulations, or market development, the decisions made in Washington D.C. affect Kansas farmers on a daily basis. And it’s through conversation and continued work that we hope to find common-sense solutions that are sufficient and beneficial to everyone here in the heartland of America. Having elected officials that choose to stay involved and work to find those solutions is necessary. And that’s why, not only having Representative Davids on the House Ag Committee, but also making these stops to talk to local farmers about these issues should be applauded.”
To prepare for the Farm Bill discussion, Davids embarked on a Farm Bill listening tour, where she visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a goat farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers, toured a dairy farm in Garnett, and more.
Davids has consistently pushed back against President Trump’s reckless trade and agriculture policies that have created uncertainty for Kansas farmers. She spoke out against abrupt tariffs, which could raise costs and disrupt markets, and highlighted the $27 billion in agricultural export losses farmers faced under previous Trump-era tariffs. She also condemned the administration’s elimination of key USDA programs that have destabilized local food systems and left school districts and food banks scrambling.
“Kansas soybean growers anticipate seeing our priorities advanced in the next Farm Bill, including a robust farm safety net and expanded program access that fits unique grower needs,” said Adam Phelon, local farmer and Kansas Soybean Association board member. “We appreciate the influence Kansas’ elected officials serving on agriculture committees have in directing legislation that works in favor of farmers.”