Agri-Pulse Newsmakers Podcast

After serving 12 of the last 16 years as agriculture secretary, Tom Vilsack will end his tenure leading USDA at the change of administration Monday.

In an exit interview, he discussed the potential fate of climate and equity programs under the incoming administration and how his vision for USDA has changed since he first took office in 2009. He also discussed his ongoing concerns for the agriculture industry.

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Avian flu was first identified in dairy cattle in March. We asked Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, how USDA’s nationwide milk testing strategy is being implemented to safeguard the food supply and what additional measures may be needed.

Then, Invariant’s Anne MacMillan and Tom Sell with Combest, Sell & Associates discuss the $10B market relief package and what issues they’re watching as the 119th Congress begins.

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As 2024 comes to a close, Agri-Pulse Newsmakers looks back at some of the biggest stories in ag and food policy, including the farm bill, bird flu in dairy cattle, reports from the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, Hurricane Helene's agricultural impact, and more.

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The Farm Credit System has experienced many changes in recent decades to better support rural America. Todd Van Hoose, retiring president and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, discussed the viability of lenders in 2025 and looked back at a historic farm bill advocacy push. Christy Seyfert will succeed Van Hoose in January.

Then, The Russell Group’s Jessica Schulken and John Weber from Monument Advocacy discuss the potential impacts of DOGE and what influence RFK Jr. may have on the food and agriculture industries.

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Republicans will take control of the Senate in January, making John Boozman chairman of the Senate Ag Committee. We asked him about his plans for the committee, including collaborating with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who's in line to be the ranking member, and how Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees may influence agriculture.

Then, Laura Wood from LWP Consulting and Invariant’s Danielle Beck discuss the contentious House Ag Committee ranking member race and the future of the farm bill in a new Congress.

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California Rep. Jim Costa is challenging the House Ag Committee’s current ranking member, David Scott of Georgia, and Angie Craig of Minnesota for the top Democratic position on the panel. We ask about Costa’s vision for the committee.

Then, we talk with two of Brooke Rollins’ former colleagues to learn how she may lead the Ag Department if confirmed. Drew DeBerry from Axis Strategies and Corey Rosenbusch from The Fertilizer Institute share their perspective.

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