Articles by Philip Brasher

Daybreak March 3: Vilsack’s goal: Address impact of racism

03/03/21 10:00 AM By Philip Brasher, Ben Nuelle, Steve Davies, and Bill Tomson

In an interview with Agri-Pulse, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said he’s open to helping aspiring Black farmers acquire the acreage they need by tapping federal land holdings. Vilsack made clear that his goal as secretary is to address the impact of a legacy of discrimination against minority farmers. It’s no longer an issue of just compensating producers who were the victims of discrimination themselves.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program: Where did the money go?

03/03/21 6:35 AM By Philip Brasher, Ben Nuelle, and Noah Wicks

An Agri-Pulse analysis shows that the Trump administration's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments were distributed more widely than traditional forms of government assistance although larger farms continue to receive the big share of the money.

Vilsack plans equity commission, names advisers on racial, market reforms

03/01/21 1:05 PM By Philip Brasher

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced plans Monday to assign a commission to study issues of equity in agriculture and also named key advisers for racial issues and market reform.

Washington Week Ahead: Senate tackles stimulus, Vilsack faces farmers

02/28/21 10:00 AM By Philip Brasher

Democrats look to move President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package through the Senate while Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack makes his case for the new administration’s priorities to farm groups this week for the first time in his return to his old job.

House passes $1.9T stimulus package with aid for food system, minority farmers

02/27/21 6:10 AM By Philip Brasher

Democrats pushed President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package through the House early Saturday despite progressives' fears about the future of a minimum-wage increase that's included in the measure.

Daybreak Feb 26: Vilsack keeping powder dry on climate plan

02/26/21 10:00 AM By Philip Brasher, Bill Tomson, Steve Davies, and Ben Nuelle

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is meeting with climate advisers today as he moves ahead on what will be a top priority for his tenure. So far, he’s divulging little about the department’s plans or timetable for addressing the issue. But he does say USDA will be heavily focused on building a case for programs Congress could implement in the next farm bill, due in 2023.

Daybreak Feb 25: He’s back: Vilsack sworn in

02/25/21 10:00 AM By Philip Brasher, Steve Davies, Bill Tomson, and Ben Nuelle

Tom Vilsack is officially wearing the title “agriculture secretary” again. He was sworn in Wednesday evening and will be talking to the media today.

Daybreak Feb 24: Vilsack taking charge at USDA

02/24/21 10:00 AM By Philip Brasher, Ben Nuelle, Bill Tomson, and Steve Davies

Tom Vilsack will be back in very familiar surroundings today after winning easy Senate confirmation as agriculture secretary. He is expected to be sworn in today.

Ag climate policy faces uncertain future amid partisanship, funding questions

02/24/21 7:06 AM By Philip Brasher

Even as congressional Democrats push through a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, attention is turning to legislation that could be use to fund agricultural climate initiatives: an infrastructure package that could be in the range of $3 trillion.

Daybreak Feb 23: Vilsack faces long to-do list

02/23/21 11:00 AM By Philip Brasher, Spencer Chase, and Steve Davies

The Senate is finally set to vote today on sending Tom Vilsack back to USDA for a new stint as agriculture secretary, more than a month after Joe Biden became president.

Todd Van Hoose, Pres. & CEO Farm Credit Council

This week’s Open Mic guest is Todd Van Hoose, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council. An upswing in commodity prices is leading to a better economic outlook for many farms across the nation. Van Hoose suggests higher crop prices have helped the balance sheet of a number of operations but is also challenging livestock and dairy producers. As a member of Rebuild Rural, FCC is supportive of investment in rural infrastructure but has reservations about changes in tax laws to pay for projects. Van Hoose is encouraged by the Biden trade agenda and believes Washington has a role to play in facilitating climate smart revenue opportunities for farms and ranches.

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Opinions

Opinion: The Biden administration should address Mexico’s bans on genetically engineered corn and glyphosate

In this opinion piece, Daren Bakst and Gabriella Beaumont-Smith with The Heritage Foundation discuss the potential fallout from Mexico’s bans and what the administration can do.

Agri-Pulse TV

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05.13.2021

Washington Week in Review: May 13, 2021: Rep. Ron Kind on trade, taxes

It's a busy time on the House Ways and Means Committee with infrastructure legislation on the agenda and trade policy top of mind. In this interview, Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wisc., chats China, paying for the infrastructure bill, and where he sees things going with the stepped-up basis.

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