Shining Light on Farm & Food Policy for 20 Years. Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Agri-Pulse Open Mic Interview

In depth interviews with leaders in ag policy
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Mike Brown, President of National Chicken Council

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01-15-2017
This week's guest on Open Mic is Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council. With much of U.S. agriculture struggling with low commodity prices, Brown says the poultry industry is beginning an upswing with good domestic and global consumer demand.  Brown is outspoken in opposition to the USDA's new GIPSA rules and expects litigation or legislation to thwart executive branch attempts to levy greater restrictions on the meat and livestock industry.  Global markets represent over a fifth of domestic poultry production. Brown says the broiler industry supports Donald Trump's call for fair trade and is ready to work with the new administration to grow markets for U.S. poultry.  Brown comments on the poultry industry's stake in the nation's immigration laws and looks for a resolution with the new congress and administration.

Jeff Nalley

Mike Brown, President of National Chicken Council

Senator John Boozman, R-Arkansas

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01-08-2017
This week's guest on Open Mic is U.S. Senator John Boozman. As a member of senate committees on Appropriations, Agriculture, Budget as well as Environment and Public Works, the Arkansas Republican will be in the thick of major issues for agriculture and rural America. In this interview, Boozman discusses scaling back the Obama administration's regulatory agenda, budget reconciliation, a Trump appointment for the Supreme Court, comprehensive tax reform, the challenge of balancing the agriculture and manufacturing agendas in U.S. trade policy as well as the process of writing comprehensive food and agriculture policy.

Jeff Nalley

Senator John Boozman, R-Arkansas

Zippy Duvall

Zippy Duvall, President American Farm Bureau Federation

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01-01-2017

This week's guest on Open Mic is Georgia farmer Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. In this interview Duvall previews highlights of the group's 98th Convention coming January 6-11th in Phoenix, Arizona. Aside from contests, awards and keynote speakers, the AFBF's delegate session promises a thorough preview of potential policy proposals for a new farm bill. Duvall details last year's victories including biotech disclosure legislation and outlines where the fight against Obama WOTUS rules will continue this year. AFBF supports aggressive trade policy and is anxious to work with the Trump administration to maintain and grow access to global markets. Duvall also shares his thoughts on new GIPSA rules proposals from the USDA.

Jeff Nalley

Zippy Duvall, President AFBF

Bill Even, CEO, National Pork Board

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12-25-2016

This week's guest on Open Mic is Bill Even, who was selected as CEO of the National Pork Board in June. The former South Dakota Director of Agriculture discusses both growth and growing pains in the pork industry.  With a fourth of U.S. production destine for export customers, Even shares hopes for global growth in the year ahead. Animal health is a priority for the pork industry and Even shares the National Pork Board's continuing efforts for disease preparedness and industry efforts to meet consumer demands for product quality and product labels.

 

Jeff Nalley

Bill Even, CEO, National Pork Board

U.S. Senate Ag Chairman Pat Roberts

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12-18-2016
This week's guest on Open Mic is U.S. Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts. In this year-end interview the Kansas Republican discusses the USDA's recently announced GIPSA rules and the challenges he sees the language presents for packers and livestock producers. Looking at Trump's trade agenda, he's concerned about what's ahead for farm exports and renewable fuels. Roberts also shares thoughts on a new farm bill, including suggestions for those who want to separate nutrition and farm programs

Jeff Nalley

U.S. Senate Ag Chairman Pat Roberts

Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation

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12-11-2016

This week's guest on Open Mic is Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. In this week's interview Martin explains forest owners desire to amend federal policy to treat wildfires as natural disasters preserving funding for land conservation and stewardship programs. Martin explains how estate taxes threaten family forest owners and says amendments to corporate taxes could provide benefits as well as challenges for the nation's tree farmers. The American Forest Foundation will closely watch the appropriations process in the new congress and has program goals to include in the debate for a new farm bill. 

Jeff Nalley

Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation

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