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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 2627 KFB PLAZA |
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City | MANHATTAN |
State | KS |
Zip Code | 66503 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 21131-12
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6. House ID# 336450000
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TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2023 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
Signature | Digitally Signed By: Ryan D. Flickner |
Date | 4/17/2023 6:20:21 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AGR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureaus advocates for reauthorizing the Farm Bill in 2023.
Our priorities include the following:
First and foremost the protection of the federal crop insurance program.
We oppose any ties and/or connections of climate focused practices to federal crop insurance programs including incentive programs.
Reform USDA disaster programs to provide better flexibility in the event of natural disasters.
Increase funding for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Assistance Program (MAP).
Maintain the current prioritization of the Environmental Quality Incentives Pro-gram (EQIP) funding being targeted to livestock producers.
Ensure Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres are focused on protecting marginal and highly erodible/non-productive lands.
Farmers and ranchers continue to navigate disrupted supply chains and logistic challenges.
Language included in various infrastructure proposals will benefit agriculture by expanding broadband, modernizing surface and inland water way transportation routes, and provide additional assistance within USDA conservation programs.
Carbon markets and programs have been a point of conversation. As congress continues to debate the appropriate role for carbon programs, Kansas Farm Bureau will continue to monitor and protect agriculture that takes place in a semi-arid environment. Not every producer can successfully grow a cover crop. Many Kansas producers ranch on native pastures in the Flint Hills, Smoky Hills and the Gyp Hills. Ensuring these ranchers can participate in carbon programs will be key moving forward.
Ongoing and ever expanding drought conditions reduced 2022 crop yields and limited pasture and grass growth. Wheat planted in 2022 for harvest in summer of 2023 has some of the lowest USDA crop reporting indexes in history. Ensuring programs like federal crop insurance are available are essential to Kansas agriculture.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code CAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureau staunchly oppose the Biden Administrations proposed revision to the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS). We believe the rule unnecessarily expands the definition of WOTUS as well as maintains vague and contradictory definitions. We believe non-federal waters are best regulated at the state level.
Maintaining the ability for grasslands to use prescribed fire to fight off invasive trees and brush must be protected. Kansas has a smoke management plan, of which Kansas Farm Bureau was involved in establishing and still promotes the use of today.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Army - Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code FOO
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureau supports additional assistance to help federal meet inspections as well as expansion of small and medium livestock slaughter facilities.
Kansas Farm Bureau does not support additional government intervention and bureaucracy in livestock markets. We most certainly do not support the government mandating or setting a minimum level of cash bids. We do support additional transparency within livestock marketing. We strongly oppose S. 228 and H.R. 1287, the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureau opposes various bills and proposals that eliminate step up basis. We oppose legislation that creates a capital gains tax at date of death. We are thankful Congressman Mann lead an effort in a Sense of the House to oppose the repeal of stepped up basis. We also commend and support Rep Mann for introducing HR 1250, the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act.
Kansas Farm Bureau supports a full repeal of the estate tax (commonly referred to as the "death tax" in farming and ranching). Short of a full repeal, keeping the current estate tax at the $11 million indexed for inflation will be key as farming and ranching families make decisions to transition the farm to future generations.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureau supports expanding trade opportunities. Enforcing USMCA, fulfilling China Phase 1, and expanding markets in Japan, the EU, Britain and elsewhere around the world are key to improving the economic vitality of farms and ranches in Kansas. Fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine as sent commodity prices to near record highs. We support open trade and do not support protectionist policies.
We continue to monitor and work with Congress and USTR to develop a longer-term framework for agricultural trade with China.
The U.S. and Mexico are engaged in discussions to resolve Mexicos proposed biotech regulations on imported corn. If no agreement can be reached, the U.S. could launch a dispute under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Mexicos lack of action on biotech approvals is also part of the discussions. We support continued trade of corn and other agricultural products with Mexico.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureau supports agricultural exemptions to the hours-of-service rules and regulatory relief for farmers, ranchers and agricultural haulers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) hours-of-service (HOS) requirements limit the time a commercial motor vehicle driver may be on duty to 14 hours and driving to 11 hours. However, agriculture and livestock haulers face unique circumstances due to the perishability of their products.
Full implementation of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements in February of 2022 created a dramatic shortage in rural school bus drivers as well as commercial trucker drivers who transport agricultural products. Farmers and ranchers are dependent on commercial truckers to bring input products to their region and haul bulk commodities raised on the farm and ranch to other commercial locations. The lack of truck drivers, and a growing difficulty to replace them, adds additional burdens and costs to the agricultural supply chain.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code IMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureau is seeking changes to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Reform to our immigration and guest worker program is long overdue. Farmers and their employees need a system that provides long-term stability. Workforce shortages have been one of the greatest limiting factors for growth in U.S. agriculture, and its time we find a solution that works for all. Farms of all sizes and types are part of the great story of American agriculture. Worker shortages are an issue for farms small and large and must be addressed in order to protect our American-grown supply of food, fiber and fuel. It is challenging to find domestic workers to fill open positions. Applications for H-2A visas continue to rise, further emphasizing the shortage of workers here in the United States.
We need a solution that modernizes and reforms our current guest-worker program and meets the demand for both year-round and seasonal farm work. We must ensure the costs to use the guestworker program do not impede a farm's ability to remain viable. This includes reform to the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR).
Farm Bureau seeks ag labor reform that includes: A flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. temporarily to work in agriculture, Provisions that allow current farm employees to earn an adjustment in status and remain working in U.S. agriculture. Although some provisions in the bill align with our policy goals, flaws and shortcomings in the bill are too great for us to support it. Our goal is to achieve solutions that work for all of American agriculture, and we believe this legislation falls short of achieving the meaningful reform we need.
Key reforms still needed in this bill include ensuring a fair and competitive wage rate, setting limitations on the use of federal courts to solve workplace grievances, and ensuring all of agriculture including year-round growers have access to H-2A visas.
We are ready to work with Congress and our industry partners to ensure we can finally achieve an ag reform bill that provides stability for farmers and their employees.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code FIN
16. Specific lobbying issues
Kansas Farm Bureau opposes a proposed rule from the SEC that would require regulated companies to report greenhouse gas emissions including Scope 3 or supply chain emissions. We support H.R. 1018 and S. 391 the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Ryan |
Flickner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
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2 | 4 | 6 |
CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |