Agri-Pulse Open Mic Interview

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Congressman John Shimkus, who represents the 15th district in Illinois. He talks about the challenges his fellow GOP leaders face in changing Washington. As a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Shimkus discusses a rewrite of the Renewable Fuel Standard and how he views the Trump administration’s role in making needed improvements in the nation’s infrastructure as well as reform of WOTUS regulations.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. In this week’s interview LaVigne describes an industry in a state of regulatory flux. Decisions are pending on regulations proposed under the Obama administration and anticipated under the Trump administration on biotech labeling and approval of new techniques in plant breeding. LaVigne shares industry concerns on global trade agreements and goals for the 2018 farm bill.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In this interview, the Kentucky Republican shares thoughts on this year’s legislative outlook including immigration reform, corporate tax reform and the challenges endured by the coal industry. McConnell says the status quo on “Obamacare” is not sustainable and the “ball is in his court,” when it comes to President Trump and new trade agreements.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Tom Hammer, President of the National Oilseed Processors Association. Fresh from a meeting with Trump administration trade officials last week Hammer provides a firsthand account of the discussion between agriculture leaders and the White House. Hammer gives an accounting of the oilseed processing industry’s overall health and growth outlook including the growing bioeconomy. Hammer echoes calls for domestic infrastructure investment and regulatory reform.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Gary Adams, President and CEO of the National Cotton Council. Despite what appears to be higher cotton plantings in 2017, the cotton industry is still under siege from low crop prices, global competition and competing synthetic fibers. In this interview Adams outlines goals for the upcoming 2018 farm bill as well as continued hopes for short term financial assistance until the new policy is implemented. Adams says the cotton industry is keeping a close eye on the Trump administration’s trade policy.

This week’s guest on Open Mic is Ohio Representative Bob Gibbs. As a farmer and Republican Member of Congress, Gibbs has been outspoken in the need to roll back government regulation. He supports President Trump's executive order on the EPA WOTUS rule. In this interview Gibbs outlines his legislation to end duplicate regulations on point source pesticide application, the need to curtail federal spending, SNAP program reform and an overhaul of government tax reform.