Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar told a Farmfest Forum crowd she believes legislation supporting the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has enough support to become law later this year.

The National Association of Broadcasters say AM radio is the backbone of the Emergency Alert System while opponents claim there are other ways for the public to receive emergency warnings.

National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Lori Stevermer talked about Minnesota complying with California laws.

“If we have to comply with California pork regulations, there will be more consolidation,” Stevermer said.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch

Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth said southern Minnesota dealing with the third-straight year of drought but there are other concerns.

“We need to help beginning farmers get into and stay in family farms. The average age of U.S. farmers is 62,” said Worth.

USDA Under Secretary Robert Bonnie talked about the need to invest in agriculture.

“Prices are not keeping up with input costs. We need to invest more in agriculture while there is still bi-partisan spirit,” Bonnie said.

“We need good data. The Inflation Reduction Act will improve soil data, some of which is 15 years old,” added Bonnie. “The USDA can’t do it alone. We need to partner with other ag agencies.”

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Comfrey farmer Jerome Graff talks about his farm land values that rose as much as 75% this year at a Tuesday Farmfest forum.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said the Farm Bill grows and contracts with need.

“You won’t balance the U.S. budget with the Farm Bill,” said Larew. ”

Comfrey farmer Jerome Graff complained about rising farm land valuations.

“Something has to give for land valuations climbing up to 75% this year,” said Graff.

“It’s an increasing complex situation,” said Bonnie. “We have to get more creative.”

A Mayer farmer complained about DMC (Dairy Margin Coverage) payments not allowing him to increase his herd.

“Update the DMC,” he said.

“Talk to me later about your situation. We’ll see what we can do,” Bonnie said.

Larew urged farmers and ranchers to push harder for more competitive markets.

Earlier in the day, U.S. Trade Office Ag Policy Advisor Doug McKalip said U.S. farm exports have risen more than 30% over the last few years despite difficult trading issues thanks in part of a

“India and Japan recently opened up markets more for U.S. exports,” said McKalip.

“The Biden Administration is heavily engaged in the Canada dairy policy in court,” he added. “Unfortunately, Canada hasn’t implemented meaningful import changes. We’re still not able to have full market access for U.S. dairy products. We launched a second case against Canada. The panel is convening this summer. We anticipate the outcome of that case by early fall. The battle is over.”

McKalip said trade issues in Mexico continue.

“They decided in recent years that proclamations and presidential decrees related to grain imports would be popular with voters,” said McKalip. “Unfortunately, those decrees are not based on sound science.”

McKalip said trade conditions in the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand and Kenya are moving towards opening markets to U.S. producers.

The Minnesota Farm Bureau pancake breakfast is set for 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Wick forum building. A U.S. House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill listening session with Congressman Brad Finstad of New Ulm, Angie Craig, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach and others begins at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled for opening comments on Minnesota agriculture and rural policy at 1:10 p.m. A panel discussion begins at 1:15 p.m.