Trade and Biofuels Offer Solution for Weak Ag Economy

Earlier this week, NCGA attended the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas, City. Guests, including NCGA manager of Market Development, Michael Granché, traveled from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska to hear from esteemed speakers on the health of the U.S. agricultural economy, the trade war, and what potential challenges and opportunities lay ahead for the industry.

Speakers included; Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, and USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky, all of whom opened the floor to receive questions from the audience after their remarks. Guests also had the opportunity to engage in a roundtable discussion on Workforce Development led by Mark Stewart, CEO and President of Agriculture Future of America.

Granché found the Forum to be a valuable networking opportunity and enjoyed hearing from different perspectives across the industry. “It’s been a tough year for the industry as a whole. Just like Governor Parson said, ‘he’s never met a farmer who hasn’t lost money at some point,’ so having the chance to sit down with other members of the industry and touch base on their perspectives and priorities only helps our own preparedness and efficacy as an industry as we look forward to next year.”

Despite being a tough year, speakers look towards trade and biofuels, noting that both are good for our farmers, our consumers and our planet. Trade Counsel to the Secretary at USDA, Jason Hafemaster, emphasized how important global free trade is because U.S. agriculture is both productive and competitive. Jason notes that 75 percent of people view trade as an opportunity. Read more about NCGA and trade here: https://ncga.com/topics/trade/usmca

The forum was hosted by Agri-Pulse and the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City.