The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss key issues affecting Kansas's poultry industry, particularly focusing on testing protocols and associated fees. The meeting featured a presentation from the Deputy Secretary, who addressed concerns regarding the efficiency and costs of veterinary services.

The first topic of discussion centered on the wait times for testing services. The Deputy Secretary explained that the wait time is generally low, primarily dependent on the availability of testing serum. If the serum is on hand, state veterinarians can typically conduct tests within a week. The poultry industry is accustomed to maintaining routine certifications, which helps streamline the process, although urgent testing can be arranged if necessary.

Senator Fagg raised questions about the recently established fees for testing services, set at $50 and $100. He inquired whether a functional cost analysis had been conducted to determine if these fees adequately cover the costs of providing such services. The Deputy Secretary acknowledged that while an analysis was performed, the fees would not fully recoup the costs associated with sending veterinarians for testing. The decision to set these fees was made after discussions with the poultry industry, aiming to strike a balance that would not negatively impact their operations.

Senator Fagg further pressed on the implications of the fees not covering the full costs, asking who would bear the financial difference. The Deputy Secretary clarified that the program has been funded through animal disease control funds, with other livestock industries historically offsetting these costs. This funding model has allowed the state to provide necessary services while keeping fees manageable for the poultry sector.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of maintaining a sustainable funding model for veterinary services, ensuring that the poultry industry can continue to operate effectively without undue financial burden. The committee plans to monitor the situation closely and may revisit the fee structure in the future to ensure it meets the needs of both the industry and the state’s budgetary constraints.