Farmers are facing a cyclical turn in the industry with a period of lower crop prices, reduced net farm income and a likely increase in interest rates.This week's guest on Open Mic is David Lynn, Senior Vice-President for Financial Services with Farm Credit Mid-America. Lynn believes the industry is better prepared than in years past to weather the financial downturn. Lynn says farmers are more dependent on crop insurance than ever before and he fears program changes could put more farmers at ri...
Feb 15, 2015
USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden says it is critical for the government to provide a reasonable safety net for farmers, but that all programs- including crop insurance and conservation - must be scrutinized as part of the annual budget process. She shares her perspectives on farm bill implementation, USDA’s budget plan for 2016, and the importance of giving President Obama “fast track” authority to expand trade. Harden says the USDA will soon release its definition of “actively engaged in far...
Feb 08, 2015
International trade can be a “gold mine” for beef and pork producers as well as the grain growers they rely on for feed. However, U.S. red meat exports are challenged from lower domestic production and the rising value of the U.S. dollar. In this week’s Open Mic in-depth interview, Philip Seng, President and CEO of the US Meat Export Federation, says the value, quality and consistency of the US product has helped the industry maintain and expand its place in the globe – despite tough competition...
Feb 01, 2015
As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee in the 114th Congress, Mike Conaway has revised the subcommittee structure to allow for closer policy oversight and careful attention to reauthorization of nutrition programs and futures trading. In his first audio interview on ag issues this year, Conaway covers a wide variety of topics. He expects congressional action on immigration policy but isn’t sure tax reform will be a part of the early congressional agenda. The Texas Republican says the bud...
Jan 25, 2015
South Dakota U.S. Senator John Thune believes even a divided government can be successful. After meeting with other GOP leaders at the White House last week, Thune believes the 114th Congress can work with the Obama administration on both trade cyber security and national security. Thune says a revision to the nation's tax code is possible but the executive and legislative branches of government are obviously at odds over the Keystone Pipeline and Obamacare. Senator Thune didn't agree with every...
Jan 18, 2015
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says American agriculture needs to build on the positive momentum of 2014. For the year ahead Vilsack says the relationship between the new GOP led congress and the Obama Administration on trade, transportation, budget and regulatory issues will set the pace for the industry. Vilsack says USDA continues to work toward implementation of new farm policy including a definition of those actively engaged in farming. Nutrition is on the agenda for the new year with a ...
Jan 11, 2015
New innovations in seed breeding and biotechnology hold promise of helping members of the American Seed Trade Association to continue their goal of providing high quality seed to their customers. However, consumer acceptance and regulatory approval of new seed traits proves to be a continuing challenge for the seed industry. Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the ASTA says they're introducing an educational campaign to help farmers, consumers and government agencies understand what seed companie...
Jan 04, 2015
Following months of secret talks between the two countries, President Obama is using executive power to re-establishing diplomatic relations and easing economic and travel restrictions with Cuba. While he cannot unilaterally end the nation's economic embargo without congressional action, the president's move has been welcomed by many agriculture groups and some legislators. John Kavulich, Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council believes the key to additional commerce b...
Dec 28, 2014
The push for agriculture productivity and sustainability has brought rapid innovation for farm machines in the US and around the globe. While global food, fiber and fuel demand promise opportunity for machinery manufacturers, the agriculture equipment industry faces real challenges from a global economic downturn, higher emission standards, uncertain U.S. tax policy and a paradigm shift in net farm income from lower commodity prices. Charlie O'Brien, Senior Vice President for the Association of ...
Dec 21, 2014
US Senator Saxby Chambliss is returning to his home in Georgia after two decades of service in Washington. A strong advocate for rural America and agriculture, Chambliss believes challenges will come in the 114th congress to risk management tools approved in the new farm law. Chambliss says urban representation on the agriculture committees and budget constraints will make approving new farm policy even more difficult in the years to come. As a member of the 'Gang of Six', Chambliss says there w...
Dec 14, 2014
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas persevered with agriculture groups and congressional leaders to bring a new farm bill to law. In the 114th Congress, Lucas says he'll be diligent to protect funding for the risk management tools he sees essential for the nation's farmers and ranchers. Lucas favors Trade Promotion Authority for the administration and supports incoming committee chairman Congressman Mike Conaway's plans for hearings on nutrition and other aspects of farm policy.Jeff...
Dec 07, 2014
Iowa US Senator Tom Harkin has been a voice for farm and rural issues for four decades in Washington. Working with eight different farm bills, Harkin championed the nation's efforts on conservation, nutrition, energy and farm policy. The Iowa Democrat says future farm policy will require a broader coalition of voters that represent rural issues as well as agriculture and more tools to protect natural resources.Jeff NalleySenator Tom Harkin
Nov 30, 2014
Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns believes the lame duck agenda will be brief and the 114th congress challenged with a blizzard of regulatory authority exerted from the Obama administration. While the GOP majority in both the House and Senate cannot be ignored, both chambers may struggle to muster enough votes to override a presidential veto on key issues. Johanns expects a tremendous amount of energy around the appropriations and budget process in the new congress. Many wonder what might be the nex...
Nov 23, 2014
While the dairy industry has seen improved financial stability this year, Tom Gallagher CEO of Dairy Management Incorporated says the combination of larger global supplies and unstable economies makes the 2015 dairy outlook more challenging. Domestically, Gallagher says DMI has signed seven different partnerships to boost fluid milk consumption to a health and wellness minded consumer base. The effort will see an investment of over half a billion dollars in new packaging and new products to grow...
Nov 16, 2014
Along with other food and beverage manufacturers, the Snack Food Association opposes individual state mandated food labels. Tom Dempsey, CEO of the SFA says their members aren't concerned about the safety of foods with ingredients from genetically enhanced crops but they do support a single federal law regarding food labeling and GMOs. Dempsey says the menu of snack foods continues to expand and is finding a larger share of consumer's diets with portable foods consumed between meals.Jeff NalleyT...
Nov 09, 2014
Amid unease in the strength of the domestic and global economy the Farm Credit Administration has seen growth in the quantity and quality of loans. Dr. Jill Long Thompson Board Chair and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration believes the 2014 farm bill provides the risk management tools tools producers need to weather the cyclical shift in commodity prices and pending higher interest rates. Remembering the farm crisis in the 1980's and the meltdown in the financial sector in 2008, Thompson says ...
Nov 02, 2014
Challenged to enhance sustainability and increase productivity, the crop industry continues to search for new scientific benchmarks to meet the growing demand for food, fiber and fuel. Jim Blome, President and CEO of Bayer CropScience says the company is heavily invested in discovering new benchmarks in genetics, conventional plant breeding, biologics, and crop protection. Blome says the crop science industry needs consistent and predictable domestic and global regulatory system to give farmers ...
Oct 27, 2014
Members of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives have real concerns with the EPA regulatory proposals for waters of the US and are hopeful congress will step up with meaningful immigration reform. Chuck Conner says while farmers are busy in their fields with the 2014 harvest, cooperative members are on task with handling, drying and storing an expected record corn and soybean crop this year.Jeff NalleyChuck Conner, President, CEO of NCFC
Oct 19, 2014
Field to Market is a diverse multi-stakeholder alliance including nearly every aspect of the food supply chain to define sustainability in today's agriculture and provide food for future generations. This group of farmers, food manufacturers, agribusinesses and conservationists is guided by science and outcomes to help farmers become better stewards. Fresh from a White House meeting on this topic, President Rod Snyder explains how the sum of their effort is a better understanding of the balance ...
Oct 12, 2014
American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman hopes the lame duck session of the congress can agree to preserve cash accounting for farmers and ranchers as well as restoring the Section 179 advanced depreciation option. Stallman hopes the Obama administration stays within their authority on any potential action on immigration reform and still calls on the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw their proposed rule on Waters of the United States. Stallman encourages trade negotiators to “hang t...
Oct 05, 2014
With last week’s announcement of the final rules for the Agriculture Risk Coverage Program and the Price Loss Coverage Program, farmers and landowners can now begin the process of sign-up for risk protection under the new farm law. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is ready for what promises to be a challenging task for FSA staff and the nation’s crop farmers. Vilsack has a wish list for the upcoming lame duck session of congress and says ongoing trade talks with the Japanese have ...
Sep 28, 2014
Dow AgroSciences announced a long awaited USDA approval for a new crop herbicide last week as well as a collaborative research and development agreement to benefit livestock producers. CEO Tim Hassinger says strategic agreements help companies share risk, resources and expertise in an effort to help agriculture meet the food and fiber needs of a growing planet.Jeff NalleyTim Hassinger, CEO Dow AgroSciences
Sep 22, 2014
Congress is running short of time to deal with a continuing resolution to fund the government into Fiscal 2015. Alabama 4th District Representative Robert Aderholt, who serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related agencies, shares his outlook on the funding bill and controversial topics like the Export-Import Bank and school lunch guidelines.SELECT NOW FOR DAILY AUDIORepresentative Robert Aderholt
Sep 15, 2014
Iowa's 4th District Representative Steve King says a budget agreement for the new fiscal year is a top legislative priority for the House of Representatives this month. On regulations, King says the EPA's Waters of the U. S. Rule is an administrative over reach and another example of an overzealous administration.SELECT NOW FOR DAILY AUDIORep. Steve King
Sep 08, 2014
David Friedberg, CEO of The Climate Corporation says new sensor technologies, data management and storage is bringing a transformation to the agriculture industry. His company is a pioneer in data science gathering pertinent data to create a perpetually evolving model allowing farmers to better predict outcomes in their farming operations. Acquired by Monsanto last year, The Climate Corporation is now covering 50-mllion acres with their free service "Climate Basic" and introduced a $3 dollar per...
Sep 01, 2014
Michael Brown with the National Chicken Council says growing demand for protein and lower feed prices are giving reason for optimism in the chicken industry. Trade issues with Russia are challenging but will be eclipsed by demand from other global and domestic customers.SELECT NOW FOR DAILY AUDIOMichael Brown, President of NCC
Aug 25, 2014
NCGA CEO Rick Tolman has spent over 30 years serving the nation's feed grain industry. At the end of September Tolman will end his 14 year career as lead of the nation's corn farmers. With record corn production and record membership in the organization, Tolman and corn grower leadership have guided the industry through many challenges. He sees continued growth and opportunity in their future.SELECT NOW FOR DAILY AUDIORick Tolman, NCGA CEO
Aug 17, 2014
The US grain industry will see a paradigm shift to ample supplies and lower prices in this crop year. Illinois corn farmer and newly elected president of the US Grains Council, Ron Gray sees the shift as a challenge and an opportunity. The industry feels the burden to increase production to meet demand but is also challenged by trade restrictions that stymie growth opportunities.SELECT NOW FOR DAILY AUDIORon Gray, President of U.S. Grains Council
Aug 11, 2014
As Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Doc Hastings seeks to guide the legislative process in both growing the economy and protect federal lands. Last week the House approved legislation to bring transparency to the Endangered Species Act and looks to develop policy to grow jobs from harvesting energy resources in federal lands. SELECT NOW FOR DAILY AUDIODoc Hastings
Aug 04, 2014
Our guest this week is Missouri 6th District Representative Sam Graves. As chair of the House Small Business Committee and member of the Transportation Committee, Graves is anxious for a long term resolution to finding resources for the Highway Trust Fund. He has introduced legislation to reign in EPA regulations on farms and small businesses. Graves wants a solution to the nation's immigration policy, but says the administration should do more to enforce the country's existing immigration polic...
Jul 28, 2014
