Agri-Pulse Open Mic Interview

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.

This week's Open Mic guest is Representative Tracey Mann.  As the representative of the Big First District in Kansas, Mann is concerned about the farm economy and the challenges especially crop farmers are facing now. He sees the need for financial assistance for row crop farmers but also recognizes the fiscal challenges before the nation. He is hopeful to see a farm bill approved before the end of the year but says budget and and spending issues are at the top of the list of priorities facing the nation.

This week's Open Mic guest is Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. This week nearly 300 OTA members will celebrate "Organic Week" in Washington.Dillon says consumer demand for organic products is growing at nearly twice the pace as demand for conventional food items. Consumers purchased over $70-billion dollars of organic products last year. Dillon says OTA is hopeful for legislation to prevent fraud in imported foods and an investment in infrastructure to allow the industry to expand and meet demand.

This week's Open Mic guest is Pam Marrone, Co-founder and Executive Chair of the Invasive Species Corporation. Marrone says there are over 37,000 invasive species in the world with over 3,500 that are considered harmful. Combined, these species have cost the global economy over $1 trillion dollars. As the climate warms, Marrone says these species are migrating farther north, impacting an even larger area and bringing danger to plant and animal species as well as industries essential to rural communities. Marrone says prevention is key but greater investment in biologicals and ag research is needed to help limit the spread of these harmful pests.

This week's Open Mic guest is Illinois 13th District Representative Nikki Budzinski.  On the sidelines of last week's Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Budzinski said she was anxious to get back to Washington to work on budget legislation and farm policy. Budzinski is aware of the looming financial challenge facing row crop farmers and anticipates large federal outlays may be necessary to prevent significant farm losses. She hopes some funding cuts to Medicade can be restored and hopes the majority side of the aisle brings a spirit of bipartisanship back to the ag committee.

This week's Open Mic guest is Jill Bramble, President and CEO of the National 4-H Council.  Over 100 years ago the Cooperative Extension Service learned the younger generation was more eager to accept new science and technology. The growth was positive for farms and communities.  Today over 6 million young adults ages 8 to 19 are still embracing new technology to set career goals and improve the world around them.  Jill Bramble, President and CEO of the 4-H Council says a new farm bill is important to the continued success of growing the future of America through extension learning.