Wisconsin Ag Connection - Commodity Leaders Weigh in on Ag Issues at Corn/Soy Expo

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Commodity Leaders Weigh in on Ag Issues at Corn/Soy Expo
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/05/2016

The new Waters of the U.S. rules, upgrades to the Implements of Husbandry law, cuts to the University of Wisconsin-Extension, and the 2016 presidential election are all issues on the minds of state crop and livestock producers. During the opening session of the Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells on Thursday, Wisconsin Corn Growers President Casey Kelleher from Whitewater, Wisconsin Soybean Association President Dan Roe of Monticello, and Wisconsin Pork Association President Mike Beisbier, Reedsburg, shared their thoughts on the topics affecting their respective industries.

"Pork producers are really hoping to see the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement finalized, especially since pork is a major product for Asian consumers," Beisbier admitted. "Things are tough in our industry right now, as producer-paid prices are very low, despite the fact that retail prices are still high on the other end."

He added that those in animal agriculture need to be more aggressive in telling their story through personal interaction and social media in order to debunk myths that farmers don't have the best interest of the environment or their animals' well-being in mind.

"For too long we have been defending our industry by simply laying out the technical aspects of what we do. But consumers are driven more by emotion," he said. "We need to respond the same way."

Roe noted that state soybean growers are hoping the WOTUS rule--which gives the Environmental Protection Agency more regulatory authority over most of the nation's waterways--can be reversed through the courts. Congress recently attempted to overturn the policy through legislation, but President Obama vetoed it. Roe also added that educating the public about the safety of genetically modified organisms is another ongoing effort of the association.

"A lot of people don't really have a strong opinion one way or another about GMOs," Roe proclaimed. "When I talk to consumers, they seem to want to know what the growers themselves have to say about the topic and why we feel the products are safe. Having those discussions is the best way to clarify a lot of misunderstanding."

Being an election year, Kelleher told attendees that he doesn't expect a lot of policy to get done on the federal level in 2016. Closer to home, he said his group is also focused on making improvements to the Implements of Husbandry law, which has now been modified twice since taking effect two years ago.

"We are finding that a lot of county and local township leaders don't seem to know what the rules are," he said. "Some are choosing to enforce it, while others are not. On the other head, many of the operators feel there's still too much paperwork involved with IoH, but at least that process is getting better."

Meanwhile, growers also heard a federal legislative update from Kansas State University Economics Professor Barry Flinchbaugh and Jim Weisenmeyer of Informa Economics. They both felt the presidential election could have some major consequences for agriculture.

"The candidates who Iowa voters chose in the caucuses this week surprised a lot of people. Ted Cruz is one of the most anti-ethanol candidates on the GOP side and Donald Trump promised to put huge tariffs on imports from China," Flinchbaugh said. "On the Democrats' side, Hillary Clinton, who's husband's administration was pro-trade, has come out against the TTP."

Weisenmeyer added that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated that he may not hold a vote on certain controversial measures until after the November elections.

But Flinchbaugh went on to praise House Speaker Paul Ryan, saying his understanding of economics and his willingness to push for policy changes will be good for agriculture.

The expo held its annual Taste of Elegance competition last night. Chef Jamie Pospeschil won the contest with his Thai Breakfast Pork. He is the main cook at Big Foot Country Club in Fontana.

And WSA Director Bob Karls was recognized during the conference for serving 25 years with the Wisconsin soybean program, while long-time Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board representative Mike Cerny was honored with a retirement plaque after serving 28 years in various capacities with the group. The WCGA also thanked Bob and Kathy Oleson for their 17 years of service as the executive director.

The Corn/Soy Expo wraps-up Friday with a long-term weather outlook summary by Leon Osborne of North Dakota State University, and an analysis on the farm equipment industry by Greg Peterson of Machinery Pete.

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