This week's Open Mic guest is Melissa Ackerman, CEO and Co-Founder of Planet Harvest. During the Covid pandemic, Ackerman worked with the Produce Alliance to provide channels for unharvested produce to those in need. Her work with the Farmers to Families Food Box Program led to a relationship with Ivanka Trump and the birth of Planet Harvest with a mission of incorporating sustainably sourced produce into the supply chain. Ackerman says almost a third of produce remains unharvested each year, meaning billions of dollars of losses for farmers and billions of pounds of food that could help feed hungry people.

This week's Open Mic guest is Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. Dairy farmers are seeing better financial returns than in previous stages of a traditionally cyclical market. Doud says beef demand is providing uncharacteristically strong income support for dairy calves and cull animals, while consumer's protein demand is a boon for the industry. Milk producers are hopeful the new Dietary Guidelines report and MAHA Commission will provide an additional boost for their industry. He also discusses agricultural trade issues with Canada, Mexico and China and the need to get negotiations back on track.

This week's Open Mic guest is Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers. As the group prepares to celebrate their 70th anniversary, sorghum growers face daunting challenges from a loss of export markets and a future that hinges on developing domestic demand from renewable fuels and new market opportunities. He says the race for acres is an obstacle for growers as is adequate water to raise crops and maintaining profitability for growers who face rising input costs. Farm policy improvements in HR-1 were a benefit for growers, but Lust says they still need advancements in a new farm bill.

This week's Open Mic guest is Tom Michels, Director of Government Affairs for United Airlines. Global aviation fuel demand is near 100 billion gallons annually and farmers can play a crucial role in producing renewable fuels for a portion of that demand. United Airlines continues to not only consume but invest in sustainable aviation fuels. Michels says the market shows tremendous opportunity to lower the environmental footprint for the airline industry while providing sustainable solutions for airline carriers, but federal and state policies have substantial impact on the outcome.

This week's Open Mic guest is Corey Rosenbusch, President and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute. A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week heard testimony from industry and farmers about higher input costs and the impact on producers. Rosenbusch says the industry recognizes the challenges crop farmers are facing, but are also forced to adapt to global and geopolitical events in the market beyond their control. That's why TFI members are calling on short- and long-term policy initiatives to aid the domestic industry and provide more reliable and affordable nutrient solutions for farmers.

This week's Open Mic guest is David Newman, CEO of the National Pork Board. Pork producers are finally seeing improved returns for their animals following a long cyclical downturn in hog prices. Newman says consumer demand for protein has brought renewed interest in the nutritional value of pork cuts in the meat case. The National Pork Board's new strategic plan focuses on priorities including pork value, anticipation and adaptation to change as well as improving the lives of pigs and people. Newman says a new campaign "Taste What Pork Can Do" focuses on the priorities of the new millennial shopper.

This week's Open Mic guest is Patrick Ewan, Chairman of the Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology and General Manager, Helena Products Group. This group of industry representatives continues to work for innovative products to balance the objectives of productivity growth and crop protection for the environment and consumers. Ewan shares how industry is working with the Environmental Protection Agency on regulatory reform as well as approval for new chemistries. He laments the economic challenges producers are facing and calls on leaders in Washington to respond with favorable legislation and regulations to help weather the cyclical downturn facing many crop producers.

This week's Open Mic guest is Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO of USTelecom -The Broadband Association. Despite billions of dollars invested to close the digital divide, millions of Americans either have no service or lack a reliable connection to the internet. Spalter says the same government that supports universal connectivity maintains antiquated regulations preventing the upgrade of copper wire or installation of fiber to households in need. He also discusses permitting issues and other barriers to advancing rural connectivity.

This week's Open Mic guest is Ben Kruger, senior vice president at Roeslein Renewables.  The International Maritime Organization is set to vote on policy that would embrace greater use of renewable fuel in the global shipping industry. Kruger says this move would present a tremendous opportunity for the domestic renewable fuel industry and biodiesel from soybeans and other sources. Kruger says a positive vote by the IMO and steps by Washington to pursue the opportunity could bring $5 to 10 billion dollars to the rural economy.

This week's Open Mic guest is James Glueck, Executive Director of the Plant Based Products Council. He says the same consumer who is demanding more sustainably produced food is also showing a desire to purchase more plant-based products and USDA says the ag bioeconomy added over $489 billion dollars to the nation's economy. The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition is lobbying Congress to continue funding for the USDA's BioPreferred Program in a new farm bill as well as two key pieces of legislation on Capitol Hill.