By: NATHAN STUEDLE
Significant changes are coming to congressional agriculture committees following Tuesday's midterm elections, with numerous experienced lawmakers preparing to leave Capitol Hill. At least nine House Agriculture Committee members and five Senate Agriculture Committee members are departing at the end of the current Congress. Among those leaving the House committee are Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig, who lost her Senate primary, and retiring Nebraska Republican Don Bacon. Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra and South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson are seeking other offices.
On the Senate side, retiring members include Republicans Joni Ernst and Mitch McConnell, along with Democrats Dick Durbin and Tina Smith. Other members are pursuing governorships. Craig's departure also creates an opening for the top Democratic position on the House Agriculture Committee. Ohio Representative Shontel Brown and California Representative Jim Costa are seeking that leadership role. The turnover could significantly reshape congressional negotiations over future agricultural policy and farm legislation.