In this episode, Heidi Heitkamp hosts a lively discussion with Rachel Prevost, Executive Director of the Montana Farmers Union, and Matt Perdue, President of the North Dakota Farmers Union. They explore critical topics impacting American agriculture today, including trade policies, farm bill dynamics, land consolidation, and the resilience of rural communities. Their insights highlight both challenges and opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Key topics covered:

• The Supreme Court's decision to roll back tariffs and its impact on farmers
• Uncertainty surrounding trade relationships, especially with China and Mexico
• The importance of reforms in the farm bill to support family farms and local food systems
• The growing consolidation of farmland and its implications for future farm succession
• The need to reconnect consumers with the origin of their food through mandatory country-of-origin labeling (M-COOL)
• Rural healthcare, infrastructure, and quality of life as vital components of sustainable agriculture
• The significance of value-added production and new markets for U.S. agricultural products
• Challenges faced by young and beginning farmers, including economic opportunities and community support
• The importance of domestic demand growth and renewable fuels in shaping a resilient farm economy
• The role of advocacy and policy in securing a future where rural communities thrive

Resources & Links:

• Montana Farmers Union
• North Dakota Farmers Union
• Heidi’s take on the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
• A Farm Bill Worth Fighting For

Connect with our guests:

• Rachel Prevost
• Matt Perdue 

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

• (00:00) - Introduction to Agricultural Challenges