Agri-Pulse Open Mic Interview

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Tom Stenzel, President and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association. In this week’s interview Stenzel identifies the top threat to the fruit and vegetable industry and how a shift in cabinet jurisdiction will still not resolve the matter. Stenzel welcomes a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement but strongly opposes a 20 percent tax on Mexican imports to pay for a wall between the two countries. Stenzel says the produce industry supports the Food Safety Modernization Act but hopes the Trump administration can bring relief to the burdensome regulations imposed during its implementation. Stenzel says research and nutrition are two areas they’ll watch closely during discussion the 2018 farm bill.

This week's guest on Open Mic is House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway. In this informative interview the Texas Republican outlines his faith in the Trump administration's trade agenda as well as thoughts on how to unwind the Obama WOTUS rule. Chairman Conaway discusses the challenging economic climate and the timing of discussion and consideration of a new farm bill. Conaway says the budget baseline will be a challenge for developing food and agriculture policy and will remain a top priority during budget debate for the balance of the fiscal year and approving funds for the new fiscal year.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Tracy Brunner, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

As the group prepares for its 120th convention next month, Brunner reflects on the obstacles the industry has overcome and shares high hopes for the Trump administration and the 115th Congress. In this interview the 4th generation Kansas cattleman calls for regulatory reform, an end to the death tax, and a fair fight for trade agreements including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and with T-TIP negotiations with the European Union. Like other commodity groups, Brunner says NCBA hopes for immigration reform and a revamp of the Endangered Species Act. Brunner supports key provisions in debate for a new farm bill and says food labeling should remain voluntary and respect their high standards for animal husbandry.

This week's guest on Open Mic is Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council. With much of U.S. agriculture struggling with low commodity prices, Brown says the poultry industry is beginning an upswing with good domestic and global consumer demand.  Brown is outspoken in opposition to the USDA's new GIPSA rules and expects litigation or legislation to thwart executive branch attempts to levy greater restrictions on the meat and livestock industry.  Global markets represent over a fifth of domestic poultry production. Brown says the broiler industry supports Donald Trump's call for fair trade and is ready to work with the new administration to grow markets for U.S. poultry.  Brown comments on the poultry industry's stake in the nation's immigration laws and looks for a resolution with the new congress and administration.Jeff NalleyMike Brown, President of National Chicken Council

This week's guest on Open Mic is U.S. Senator John Boozman. As a member of senate committees on Appropriations, Agriculture, Budget as well as Environment and Public Works, the Arkansas Republican will be in the thick of major issues for agriculture and rural America. In this interview, Boozman discusses scaling back the Obama administration's regulatory agenda, budget reconciliation, a Trump appointment for the Supreme Court, comprehensive tax reform, the challenge of balancing the agriculture and manufacturing agendas in U.S. trade policy as well as the process of writing comprehensive food and agriculture policy.Jeff NalleySenator John Boozman, R-Arkansas

This week's guest on Open Mic is Georgia farmer Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. In this interview Duvall previews highlights of the group's 98th Convention coming January 6-11th in Phoenix, Arizona. Aside from contests, awards and keynote speakers, the AFBF's delegate session promises a thorough preview of potential policy proposals for a new farm bill. Duvall details last year's victories including biotech disclosure legislation and outlines where the fight against Obama WOTUS rules will continue this year. AFBF supports aggressive trade policy and is anxious to work with the Trump administration to maintain and grow access to global markets. Duvall also shares his thoughts on new GIPSA rules proposals from the USDA.Jeff NalleyZippy Duvall, President AFBF

This week's guest on Open Mic is Bill Even, who was selected as CEO of the National Pork Board in June. The former South Dakota Director of Agriculture discusses both growth and growing pains in the pork industry.  With a fourth of U.S. production destine for export customers, Even shares hopes for global growth in the year ahead. Animal health is a priority for the pork industry and Even shares the National Pork Board's continuing efforts for disease preparedness and industry efforts to meet consumer demands for product quality and product labels.  Jeff NalleyBill Even, CEO, National Pork Board

This week's guest on Open Mic is U.S. Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts. In this year-end interview the Kansas Republican discusses the USDA's recently announced GIPSA rules and the challenges he sees the language presents for packers and livestock producers. Looking at Trump's trade agenda, he's concerned about what's ahead for farm exports and renewable fuels. Roberts also shares thoughts on a new farm bill, including suggestions for those who want to separate nutrition and farm programsJeff NalleyU.S. Senate Ag Chairman Pat Roberts

This week's guest on Open Mic is Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. In this week's interview Martin explains forest owners desire to amend federal policy to treat wildfires as natural disasters preserving funding for land conservation and stewardship programs. Martin explains how estate taxes threaten family forest owners and says amendments to corporate taxes could provide benefits as well as challenges for the nation's tree farmers. The American Forest Foundation will closely watch the appropriations process in the new congress and has program goals to include in the debate for a new farm bill. Jeff NalleyTom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation

This week's guest on Open Mic is Philip Seng, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. A shift in global markets has brought a rebound to U.S. red meat exports in 2016. In this week's interview, Seng talks about the year ahead for meat trade and how the protectionist rhetoric from the campaign trail is already impacting our trading partners. He also addresses the risks and potential rewards from trading with China and the strong dollar's effect on U.S. meat export sales. Jeff NalleyPhilip Seng, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation