Agri-Pulse Open Mic Interview

This week's guest on Open Mic is Carrie Calvert, Director of Tax and Commodity Policy at Feeding America. The United States is said to be the best fed nation on the planet, but one in seven of its residents is considered food insecure. Calvert outlines how her organization, often in partnership with public and private programs, helps bring food to those in need. Calvert discusses potential nutrition program cuts through budget reconciliation and the important links between farm and nutrition programs in a new farm bill. She also shares more ways for farmers and concerned citizens to get involved with addressing hunger in America.Jeff NalleyCarrie Calvert, Director of Tax & Commodity Policy, Feeding America

This week's guest on Open Mic is Ambassador Michael Froman.  The Obama administration stands ready to ratify the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, but following this month's elections, congressional leaders appear unwilling to take up the multi-lateral trade deal. In this week's interview Ambassador Froman responds to critics of the plan who see trade agreements as a scapegoat for job losses instead of a stimulus for economic growth and job creation. Froman discusses the Chinese led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and outlines trade talks this week with Chinese leaders. Jeff NalleyUSTR Ambassador Michael Froman

This week's guest on Open Mic is Donnell Rehagen, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. The renewable biodiesel industry has seen much growth in production capacity and market demand, but is still short of its 2022 goal of a tenth of domestic diesel volume.  This exclusive interview reveals a need for legislative attention to tax extenders, a continued call for a shift of tax benefits from producers to blenders and a desire for predictable volume standards from the EPA for biodiesel. Jeff NalleyDonnell Rehagen, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board

This week's guest on Open Mic is Jim Farrell, President and CEO of Farmers National Company. With declining commodity prices, land values, and net farm income some fear a  repeat of the 1980's farm crisis.  In this week's interview, Farrell discusses the similarities and differences to the last great bear market, steeper declines for land prices, the potential effects of larger enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program and the growing percentage of land controlled by investors and absentee ownersJeff NalleyJim Farrell, CEO Farmers National Company

This week's guest on Open Mic is Jim Blome, President and CEO of Bayer CropScience LP and Head of Crop Protection for the North American region.  Much attention has been given to Bayer's proposed acquisition of seed giant Monsanto. In this interview, Blome shares how the company's combined individual strengths can lead to future innovation and a structure better suited to withstand global regulatory headwinds.  Blome speaks to the broader view of an industry structure, including companies both large and small, focused on developing innovation farmers need to survive and sustainably provide food for a growing planet. Jeff NalleyJim Blome, President & CEO Bayer CropScience LP

This week's guest on Open Mic is Ed Hamberger, President and CEO of the American Association of Railroads. In this week's interview Hamberger discusses the longstanding relationships between agriculture, railroads and feeding the world. But the industry is facing economic and regulatory challenges that could negatively affect the rail industry and its customers. The AAR supports expanded global trade through the Trans-Pacific Partnership and is hopeful a new Congress can bring needed change to corporate tax laws.Jeff NalleyEd Hamberger, Pres. American Association of Railroads

This week's guest on Open Mic is Bill Buckner, President and CEO of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and Board Chair for the National Soil Health Institute.  In this interview, Buckner outlines a national effort to develop a standardized condition rating and testing for soil health. A standardized numeric value could help producers embrace agronomic practices, technology and cropping systems which could eventually be tied to risk protection plans and crop insurance as well as the overall value of farmland. With a common goal of advancing agriculture Buckner says the National Soil Health Institute is leading a chorus of farmers, scientists, farmers and industry toward better soil health and a stronger agriculture industry. Jeff NalleyBill Buckner, Pres. Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Just after returning from a trip to Cuba, Mike Strain, Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner and President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture tells Open Mic about the need to build stronger trade with our island neighbor and support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Strain identifies the need for additional disaster assistance and other changes needed in a new farm bill. He also discusses  the challenges of implementing federal regulations and NASDA's desire for cooperative federalism. Jeff NalleyNASDA President Mike Strain

This week's guest on Open Mic is U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin D-WI.  As a member of both the Senate Budget Committee and the Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin isn't fond of continuing resolution spending decisions.  In this week's interview,  the Wisconsin Democrat talks about the pending spending decisions facing the Congress following the November elections.  Wisconsin farmers  faced multiple extreme weather events this year and she discusses the economic and environmental storms before her state's diverse agriculture industry. Senator Baldwin outlines recent trade challenges with Canada and her thoughts on pending multilateral trade proposals including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment negotiations with Europe. Plus, she is leading a new effort to get the Office of Management and Budget to help dairy producers.Jeff NalleySenator Tammy Baldwin, D-WI

This week's guest on Open Mic is Sterling Liddell, Senior Vice President for Rabo AgriFinance and Rabobank International in its Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group. Discussion on a new farm bill has begun across the country and in Washington with calls to get an early start on new policy.  Some analysts believe the nation is on the verge of another farm crisis.  In this interview, Sterling Liddell offers evidence of financial stress he sees growing on crop farms and highlights factors indicating a significant paradigm shift he believes farmers will have to traverse to survive the economic downturn.  Liddell believes the Conservation Reserve Program needs to be revised to help manage crop acres and reduce land costs on marginal acres.Jeff NalleySterling Liddell, Sr. VP, Rabo AgriFinance