Good morning and thank you to everyone for joining us today as we gather perspectives from commodity groups on the Commodity Title programs in the 2018 Farm Bill.

I am pleased to have this distinguished panel of nine representatives from a variety of national commodity associations.

In particular, I am proud to say that we have two farmers from my home state of Georgia testifying this morning who are representing our important cotton and peanut industries. Georgia is number one in the country for peanut production and number two for cotton production.

I know several of the organizations our witnesses represent will be convening at Commodity Classic next week, which is an important venue for policy discussions. And I know that you all will be working hard throughout this year developing recommendations for the next farm bill.

Today’s hearing is an important opportunity for us to reflect on commodity programs in the 2018 Farm Bill and gather input from key stakeholders on what is working and is not working for farmers across the country.

To all of our witnesses, I appreciate you taking the time to join us today for what I am sure will be an informative hearing. Thank you all again.

With that, I now yield to the distinguished Ranking Member, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Thompson, for any opening remarks he would like to give.