Agri-Pulse Open Mic Interview

Indiana farmer Scott Fritz has served in many capacities within the U.S. soybean Industry but says his current role is the most satisfying because the Soy Foundation is feeding hungry children in many developing nations and showing the way to greater food independence. As U.S. farmers celebrate Ag Day this week, Fritz is one of several farmers focused on helping feed the hungry both in the U.S. and around the globe. "Helping children is close to my heart; it's a heartwarming feeling," Fritz says. "We as farmers take pride in our product, but being able to turn around and help other people. That's what it's all about." He shares how sow cows help feed school children and teach others to develop their own businesses.Scott Fritz

"They aren't Drones" is the first statement from Michael Toscano, President and CEO of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), when asked about one of the newest and perhaps most controversial new tools for farmers and ranchers. He says the mission of these vehicles, aerial or terrestrial, is peaceful and offers a great advancement in scouting, service, and efficiency. Toscano explores the issues farmers will face in operating the first generation of small aircraft that are designed to gather data and transmit it back to a ground base in an era where "Big Data" has become a huge concern. In this forward-looking discussions, he also looks at "blue sky" ideas that may result in an entirely new platform for business activity."They aren't Drones" is the first statement from Michael Toscano, President and CEO of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), when asked about one of the newest and perhaps most controversial new tools for farmers and ranchers. He says the mission of these vehicles, aerial or terrestrial, is peaceful and offers a great advancement in scouting, service, and efficiency. Toscano explores the issues farmers will face in operating the first generation of small aircraft that are designed to gather data and transmit it back to a ground base in an era where "Big Data" has become a huge concern. In this forward-looking discussions, he also looks at "blue sky" ideas that may result in an entirely new platform for business activity.Michael Toscanotoscano.jpeg

The trains are running slow in this very cold winter but the BNSF Railway plans for speeding up service and building up in the years ahead, says John Miller, Group Vice President for Agricultural Operations. He explains a number of factors slowing down shipments this winter, discusses 'grain in the box' and previews the very large capital expenditures they are making to improve and expand their hauling capabilities. Miller's past experience includes serving as president of Bartlett Grain in Kansas City.John Miller

Gregg Doud is president of the Commodity Markets Council (formerly known as the Grain Trade Council). His organization is focused on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and rules that it is considering, as well as the re-authorization process and appointing three new commissioners. Doud comes from a strong agricultural background. He served as Chief Economist for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and worked on the Senate Agriculture Committee staff for Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) specializing in issues relating to the CFTC.

Doud questions the lack of agricultural understanding at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the range of initiatives that could redefine hedging and contracting in the United States and Europe.Gregg Doudgreggdoud.jpeg

"It was almost a miracle," said Congressman Frank Lucas, chair of the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee and chair of the House/Senate Conference Committee, regarding passage of the 2014 Farm Bill. In this week's Open MIc, Lucas details several provisions of the bill plus implementation and potential government exposure if commodity prices fall. He also responds to news media mockery of the bill over obscure provisions and discusses his political future in Oklahoma after compromising on several key provisions to gain passage of the bill.Chairman Frank Lucas

As the U.S. Senate prepares to approve a new farm bill this week, supporters and critics are still weighing in on key provisions in the 949-page package. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, understands the difficult dynamics involved with gaining approval of complex food and farm legislation, having served as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee in 1996 when "Freedom to Farm" was adopted and as ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee when deliberations first started on the present bill in 2011. Even though he is pleased with changes made to enhance crop insurance, Roberts explains why he continues to have long-standing concerns about the commodity title and is likely to vote against the Agricultural Act of 2014 this week.Senator Pat Roberts

As world leaders look for new ways to feed over nine billion people by 2050, they will need to draw on the expertise of Harry Stine, a legendary plant breeder and developer of high yielding soybeans and hybrid corn. Stine Seed was started by his father but the Iowa company focused primarily on seed cleaning until 1965 when Harry found some unusual soybean plants in a field and became interested in soybean breeding. He went on to found Stine Seed Farms by recognizing additional profit opportunities by breeding and developing higher yield lines. In 1973, he and business partners added hybrid corn to their breeding and commercialization. Stine speaks out about the current condition of agriculture and the prospects for increasing yields to meet future demand. He states his views on how technical advances in agriculture intertwine with the philosophical needs of society.Harry Stine

Got dairy? Farm bill watchers are expressing optimism that a new 'deal' can be reached on dairy, but as always, the devil is in the details. Fresh off Capitol Hill Friday night - after another day of discussions about the dairy title - Agri-Pulse interviewed Jim Mulhern, the new President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. Although no formal agreement has been reached, Mulhern - who first started working on the hill in 1983 and has held numerous positions in the dairy industry - emphasizes that the conflict over dairy programs will not prevent the 2014 Farm, Food and Jobs Act from being brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. He expresses his desire to "call the bluff" of the Speaker of the House but realizes that political pressure on the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee won't allow that option. Mulhern also addresses "post farm bill" goals for immigration reform and fair and equitable labeling of U.S. dairy products in trade agreements with the European Union.Jim Mulhern

Should USDA start implementing the farm bill's permanent law? U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, is holding off for now, but in this week's Open Mic, he explains what could happen if Congress can't get the job done and pass a new farm bill in the near future. He also discusses the potential "unintended consequences" of including Rep. Steve King's amendment with the farm bill and whether or not you'll hear about the farm bill in President Obama's State of the Union address. In this wide-ranging interview, the former Iowa Governor also talks about SNAP funding, the beef checkoff, immigration reform, and finding a "21st Century" solution to GMO labeling.Tom Vilsack

With the need to feed an estimated nine billion people by 2050, the U.S. government is taking a more comprehensive approach to addressing food security issues. Jonathan Shrier, the acting Special Representative for Global Food Security and Deputy Coordinator of Diplomacy at the State Department, describes the 'Feed the Future' initiative, which involves ten agencies, led by the Agency for International Development. Shrier says one in five children in the world is "stunted" because of lack of food and discusses several of the tools, including biotechnology, which can be used to address world hunger. He also shares how U.S. farmers and agribusinesses can play a more active role in helping feed the world and build capacity in other countries.Jonathan Schrier