Matt Erickson, an ag economic and policy advisor and former chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee joins hosts Todd Kuethe and Chad Fiechter in this episode of Purdue Commercial AgCast. Erickson shares his background, including his academic journey at Purdue University and internships that led to his extensive career in agricultural policy. He describes his work at various organizations such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, and a key focus on economic and policy analysis for producer impacts. Erickson elaborates on the process of farm bill preparation, the roles within the Senate Ag Committee, and the vital importance of bipartisan cooperation. He also highlights the grassroots involvement in policy development and the significance of gathering insights from both farmers and agricultural associations. The conversation provides a transparent look into the legislative process, the role of economists on Capitol Hill, and the intricate balance between policy formation and constituent needs.