Opinion Opinion Articles https://www.agri-pulse.com/rss en-us Opinion: Soil health is common ground — let’s build on it to revitalize American ranching Brad Tipper of Grassroots Carbon argues that federal tax policy should treat ranchers’ soil-based carbon storage the same as industrial carbon capture, unlocking a bipartisan path to regenerate America’s grazing lands. Brad Tipper of Grassroots Carbon argues that federal tax policy should treat ranchers’ soil-based carbon storage the same as industrial carbon capture, unlocking a bipartisan path to regenerate America’s grazing lands.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24853 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:22:26 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24853-opinion-soil-health-is-common-ground-lets-build-on-it-to-revitalize-american-ranching Brad-crop-2-green-grass-wide.png Brad Tipper (Grassroots Carbon) Opinion: E15 is ready, Congress needs to deliver Rob Larew of the National Farmers Union argues Congress should clear the way for year‑round E15, calling it a practical, bipartisan fix that would lower fuel costs for families while strengthening a reliable domestic market for farmers. Rob Larew of the National Farmers Union argues Congress should clear the way for year‑round E15, calling it a practical, bipartisan fix that would lower fuel costs for families while strengthening a reliable domestic market for farmers.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24849 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:02 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24849-opinion-e15-is-ready-congress-needs-to-deliver Rob Larew - NFU.jpg Rob Larew (National Farmers Union)  Opinion: Now is not the time for Congress to reopen food fights Sara Amundson of the Humane World Action Fund argues that the farm bill should acknowledge that voters approved laws like Proposition 12, Congress has repeatedly declined to overturn them, and courts have upheld their constitutionality despite industry warnings. Sara Amundson of the Humane World Action Fund argues that the farm bill should acknowledge that voters approved laws like Proposition 12, Congress has repeatedly declined to overturn them, and courts have upheld their constitutionality despite industry warnings.



]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24836 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:27:22 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24836-opinion-now-is-not-the-time-for-congress-to-reopen-food-fights Sara Amundson Humane World Action Fund.jpg Sara Amundson (Humane World Action Fund) Opinion: Why the farm bill matters for brewers Chris MacArthur of the Beer Institute says that Congress must pass a modernized farm bill to give farmers, including those who supply the beer industry, the long term stability, updated risk management tools and research investments they need after years of extensions and outdated 2018 policies.

Chris MacArthur of the Beer Institute says that Congress must pass a modernized farm bill to give farmers, including those who supply the beer industry, the long term stability, updated risk management tools and research investments they need after years of extensions and outdated 2018 policies.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24831 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:54:53 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24831-opinion-why-the-farm-bill-matters-for-brewers Chris Macarthur - opinion.png Chris MacArthur (Beer Institute) Opinion: E15 win shows bipartisanship is still possible Lesly McNitt of the National Corn Growers Association says the House's passage of the E15 bill offers a template for bipartisan cooperation in today’s polarized environment. Lesly McNitt of the National Corn Growers Association says the House's passage of the E15 bill offers a template for bipartisan cooperation in today’s polarized environment.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24826 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:40:19 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24826-opinion-e15-win-shows-bipartisanship-is-still-possible McNitt.jpg Lesly McNitt (National Corn Growers Association)  Opinion: The new R&D tax credit provides a real opportunity for agriculture Heidi Heitkamp, director of agriculture at alliant and former U.S. senator for North Dakota, says the strengthened R&D tax credit under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act offers agriculture a timely chance to reinvest and stay competitive. Heidi Heitkamp, director of agriculture at alliant and former U.S. senator for North Dakota, says the strengthened R&D tax credit under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act offers agriculture a timely chance to reinvest and stay competitive.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24818 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:39:29 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24818-opinion-the-new-r-and-d-tax-credit-provides-a-real-opportunity-for-agriculture Heidi_Heitkamp.png Heidi Heitkamp (alliant photo)  Opinion: On Prop 12, read the arguments with eyes wide open Bryan Humphreys of the National Pork Producers Council argues that the “Save Our Bacon Act” is a constitutional course‑correction and that the Senate must decide whether California’s production standards should effectively govern farms nationwide. Bryan Humphreys of the National Pork Producers Council argues that the “Save Our Bacon Act” is a constitutional course‑correction and that the Senate must decide whether California’s production standards should effectively govern farms nationwide.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24800 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:27:06 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24800-opinion-on-prop-12-read-the-arguments-with-eyes-wide-open Bryan Humphreys Headshot.jpg Bryan Humphreys (National Pork Producers Council) Opinion: Rail consolidation has a track record — it’s not good Daren Coppock of the Agricultural Retailers Association argues that the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger would further concentrate rail power, drive up already rising transportation costs and undermine the reliability of the agricultural supply chain. Daren Coppock of the Agricultural Retailers Association argues that the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger would further concentrate rail power, drive up already rising transportation costs and undermine the reliability of the agricultural supply chain.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24798 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:09:42 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24798-opinion-rail-consolidation-has-a-track-record-its-not-good Daren Coppeck ARA.jpg Daren Coppock, president and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Association, at the ARA Conference & Expo in 2025. (ARA photo) Opinion: America’s farmers are ready to fuel the future, if Washington gets 45Z right Greg Messer of Messer Beaver Creek Ranch argues that farmers need federal certainty in a 45Z rule that fully credits on‑farm conservation practices so they can confidently invest in and supply the next generation of American biofuels. Greg Messer of Messer Beaver Creek Ranch argues that farmers need federal certainty in a 45Z rule that fully credits on‑farm conservation practices so they can confidently invest in and supply the next generation of American biofuels.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24788 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:01:45 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24788-opinion-americas-farmers-are-ready-to-fuel-the-future-if-washington-gets-45z-right MesserFamily.jpeg Greg Messer (right) with his family at Messer Beaver Creek Ranch. (Messer Beaver Creek Ranch photo) Opinion: This National Cheese Day, appreciate what is powered by dairy, driven by cheese On National Cheese Day, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative CEO Tim Trotter says cheese is more than a dairy product, it is an economic engine that strengthens rural America and positions the United States as a global leader in dairy exports. On National Cheese Day, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative CEO Tim Trotter says cheese is more than a dairy product, it is an economic engine that strengthens rural America and positions the United States as a global leader in dairy exports.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24781 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:50:02 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24781-opinion-this-national-cheese-day-appreciate-what-is-powered-by-dairy-driven-by-cheese Tim Trotter - 2026.png Tim Trotter (Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative) Opinion: USMCA provides farmers certainty in a turbulent ag economy Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., says a renegotiated USMCA can provide much-needed certainty and the opportunity for new markets to sell American-grown crops. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., says a renegotiated USMCA can provide much-needed certainty and the opportunity for new markets to sell American-grown crops. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24764 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:24:38 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24764-opinion-usmca-provides-farmers-certainty-in-a-turbulent-ag-economy Moran - Dairy farmers.jpg Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., speaks with dairy producers at the Kansas Dairy Development in Deerfield, Kansas. (Office of Sen. Moran) Opinion: To recover endangered species, invest in plants Leaders from the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Property Environmental Research Center argue that prioritizing plant species recovery would drive record gains for other wildlife at lower cost and with less conflict. Leaders from the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Property Environmental Research Center argue that prioritizing plant species recovery would drive record gains for other wildlife at lower cost and with less conflict.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24748 Sun, 31 May 2026 18:13:46 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24748-opinion-to-recover-endangered-species-invest-in-plants ESA plants authors opinion.png Jonathan Wood, Emily E.D. Coffey and Leah Oliver (Property Environmental Research Center, Atlanta Botanical Garden) Opinion: The truth about the ‘Save Our Bacon’ provision — federalism means staying in your lane Russ Hendricks of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation argues that the “Save Our Bacon” provision in the House farm bill provides a necessary federal check and ensures that decisions about animal‑welfare practices are not dictated by out‑of‑state ballot initiatives. Russ Hendricks of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation argues that the “Save Our Bacon” provision in the House farm bill provides a necessary federal check and ensures that decisions about animal‑welfare practices are not dictated by out‑of‑state ballot initiatives.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24752 Fri, 29 May 2026 07:40:18 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24752-opinion-the-truth-about-the-save-our-bacon-provision-federalism-means-staying-in-your-lane Russ Hendricks.png Russ Hendricks (Idaho Farm Bureau) Opinion: This is a pivotal moment for school meals — and for our children’s health Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, says lawmakers face a pivotal choice: whether the federal budget will strengthen schools’ ability to serve nutritious meals or shift more costs onto already overburdened districts and families. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, says lawmakers face a pivotal choice: whether the federal budget will strengthen schools’ ability to serve nutritious meals or shift more costs onto already overburdened districts and families.


]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24746 Thu, 28 May 2026 09:11:44 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24746-opinion-this-is-a-pivotal-moment-for-school-meals-and-for-our-childrens-health Nancy Brown Nancy Brown (American Heart Association)  Opinion: This hidden provision in the farm bill could wipe out hundreds of state laws Matthew Hayek and Jeff Sebo, associate professors at New York University, argue that a House farm bill provision limiting state authority over agricultural products could invalidate more than 600 existing state laws on issues ranging from animal welfare to disease control, raising broad federalism concerns. Matthew Hayek and Jeff Sebo, associate professors at New York University, argue that a House farm bill provision limiting state authority over agricultural products could invalidate more than 600 existing state laws on issues ranging from animal welfare to disease control, raising broad federalism concerns.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24743 Wed, 27 May 2026 09:59:59 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24743-opinion-this-hidden-provision-in-the-farm-bill-could-wipe-out-hundreds-of-state-laws Hayek-Sebo-opinion.png Matthew Hayek and Jeff Sebo (New York University) Opinion: It’s time for Congress to modernize, not dismantle, the FDA’s food safety framework Robert Merker, former FDA official, says the GRAS system needs modernization and that Congress should strengthen FDA’s authority to ensure a uniform, science‑based national standard rather than allow a patchwork of conflicting state regulations. Robert Merker, former FDA official, says the GRAS system needs modernization and that Congress should strengthen FDA’s authority to ensure a uniform, science‑based national standard rather than allow a patchwork of conflicting state regulations.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24732 Tue, 26 May 2026 15:37:07 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24732-opinion-its-time-for-congress-to-modernize-not-dismantle-the-fdas-food-safety-framework Bob Merker Opinion.png Opinion: We need a practical approach to balancing health goals and farm stability Chandler Goule, an agricultural policy leader and consultant, argues that phased, metrics‑driven agency reforms must be backed by a strong farm bill and safety net to ensure regulatory changes work in practice. Chandler Goule, an agricultural policy leader and consultant, argues that phased, metrics‑driven agency reforms must be backed by a strong farm bill and safety net to ensure regulatory changes work in practice.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24720 Thu, 21 May 2026 11:13:25 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24720-opinion-we-need-a-practical-approach-to-balancing-health-goals-and-farm-stability Chandler Goule.jpg (Chandler Goule Consulting photo) Opinion: How can we make America healthy again without fruits and vegetables? Mollie Van Lieu of the International Fresh Produce Association argues that proposed cuts to WIC’s fruit and vegetable benefit contradict the MAHA Commission’s own praise of the program, would undercut proven nutrition gains for women and children, and should be rejected by Congress. Mollie Van Lieu of the International Fresh Produce Association argues that proposed cuts to WIC’s fruit and vegetable benefit contradict the MAHA Commission’s own praise of the program, would undercut proven nutrition gains for women and children, and should be rejected by Congress.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24716 Wed, 20 May 2026 11:12:17 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24716-opinion-how-can-we-make-america-healthy-again-without-fruits-and-vegetables MVL headshot.JPG Mollie Van Lieu (International Fresh Produce Association photo) Opinion: Make American fertilizer again Josh Westling, founder and CEO of J. Westling & Co., argues the Trump administration and Congress could do more for farmers by clearing the way for U.S.‑made, high‑quality fertilizer. Josh Westling, founder and CEO of J. Westling & Co., argues the Trump administration and Congress could do more for farmers by clearing the way for U.S.‑made, high‑quality fertilizer.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24697 Tue, 19 May 2026 11:38:25 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24697-opinion-make-american-fertilizer-again Westling.jpg Josh Westling (U.S. Senate Collection photo) Opinion: E15 can no longer be a bargaining chip Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., and Kip Eideberg of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers argue that Congress still has an opportunity to keep its promise to rural America by passing year-round E15 legislation to support farmers, strengthen rural economies and lower fuel costs for consumers. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., and Kip Eideberg of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers argue that Congress still has an opportunity to keep its promise to rural America by passing year-round E15 legislation to support farmers, strengthen rural economies and lower fuel costs for consumers.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24678 Tue, 12 May 2026 21:03:57 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24678-opinion-e15-can-no-longer-be-a-bargaining-chip Bost-Eideberg-Opinion.png Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., and Kip Eideberg Opinion: Agriculture can’t sit out the food fight Brandon Lipps of Caprock Strategies says MAHA‑driven food and health politics are collapsing the divide between food and farm policy, leaving agriculture unable to sit out as downstream decisions reshape production upstream. Brandon Lipps of Caprock Strategies says MAHA‑driven food and health politics are collapsing the divide between food and farm policy, leaving agriculture unable to sit out as downstream decisions reshape production upstream.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24649 Fri, 08 May 2026 08:22:30 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24649-opinion-agriculture-cant-sit-out-the-food-fight Brandon Lipps.png Brandon Lipps (Caprock Strategies) Opinion: The case for the UP-NS merger runs through America's Heartland Paul Prentice, former chief macro-economist at USDA, argues the proposed $85 billion railroad merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would be good for American agriculture, consumers and the broader economy. Paul Prentice, former chief macro-economist at USDA, argues the proposed $85 billion railroad merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would be good for American agriculture, consumers and the broader economy.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24645 Thu, 07 May 2026 11:33:12 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24645-opinion-the-case-for-the-up-ns-merger-runs-through-americas-heartland Paul Prentice - opinion.png Opinion: A fertilizer crisis is driving up costs — don’t waste a homegrown solution Patrick Serfass of the American Biogas Council says the bipartisan Homegrown Fertilizer Act would accelerate the development of domestic fertilizers like digestate and lead to relief in the fertilizer markets, reduced costs for farmers and stronger U.S. agricultural independence. Patrick Serfass of the American Biogas Council says the bipartisan Homegrown Fertilizer Act would accelerate the development of domestic fertilizers like digestate and lead to relief in the fertilizer markets, reduced costs for farmers and stronger U.S. agricultural independence.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24643 Wed, 06 May 2026 11:46:19 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24643-opinion-a-fertilizer-crisis-is-driving-up-costs-dont-waste-a-homegrown-solution Patrick Serfass Exec Director American Biogas Council v2.jpg Patrick Serfass (American Biogas Council) Opinion: My family farm just celebrated 100 years. The way we do things has to change Cori Wittman Stitt of Wittman Farms argues that today’s economic pressures demand sustained, targeted public investment in research, conservation and innovation to give family farms a chance to remain profitable and viable for the next generation. Cori Wittman Stitt of Wittman Farms argues that today’s economic pressures demand sustained, targeted public investment in research, conservation and innovation to give family farms a chance to remain profitable and viable for the next generation.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24627 Tue, 05 May 2026 10:44:10 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24627-opinion-my-family-farm-just-celebrated-100-years-the-way-we-do-things-has-to-change Cori Wittman Stitt Cori Wittman Stitt (Wittman Farms) Opinion: It’s primetime to reform the Conservation Reserve Program Craig Moss of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association argues that the Conservation Reserve Program is working against market signals to expand cattle production by pulling land out of livestock use and discouraging long-term pasture investment. Craig Moss of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association argues that the Conservation Reserve Program is working against market signals to expand cattle production by pulling land out of livestock use and discouraging long-term pasture investment.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24624 Mon, 04 May 2026 12:52:22 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24624-opinion-its-primetime-to-reform-the-conservation-reserve-program Craig Moss.jpg Craig Moss (Iowa Cattlemen's Association) Opinion: Holding Monsanto accountable in court is not what’s holding America’s farmers back Jessica Culpepper of FarmSTAND says Monsanto v. Durnell is getting outsized attention even as farmers face bigger pressures from consolidation, shrinking markets and weak checkoff oversight, and she argues the case mainly threatens a few corporate executives rather than farmers’ daily realities. Jessica Culpepper of FarmSTAND says Monsanto v. Durnell is getting outsized attention even as farmers face bigger pressures from consolidation, shrinking markets and weak checkoff oversight, and she argues the case mainly threatens a few corporate executives rather than farmers’ daily realities.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24620 Fri, 01 May 2026 14:04:08 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24620-opinion-holding-monsanto-accountable-in-court-is-not-whats-holding-americas-farmers-back Jessica Culpepper - Opinion .png Opinion: We don’t keep leading in agriculture by accident Andrew Walmsley says EPA’s pesticide office is being stretched thin and argues that if Congress wants a timely, science‑based regulatory system, it must fund it accordingly or risk consequences well beyond Washington. Andrew Walmsley says EPA’s pesticide office is being stretched thin and argues that if Congress wants a timely, science‑based regulatory system, it must fund it accordingly or risk consequences well beyond Washington.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24614 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:27:04 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24614-opinion-we-dont-keep-leading-in-agriculture-by-accident Andrew Walmsley Headshot.JPEG Andrew Walmsley (Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology) Opinion: US must strengthen its toolkit to outpace HPAI Lindy Froebel of the National Turkey Federation says the industry has strengthened biosecurity, surveillance and coordination with USDA, but the persistence of HPAI shows that the U.S. will need to expand science‑based tools to stay ahead of the virus. Lindy Froebel of the National Turkey Federation says the industry has strengthened biosecurity, surveillance and coordination with USDA, but the persistence of HPAI shows that the U.S. will need to expand science‑based tools to stay ahead of the virus.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24606 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:32:27 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24606-opinion-us-must-strengthen-its-toolkit-to-outpace-hpai LChiaia_headshot.jpg Lindy Froebel (National Turkey Federation) Opinion: Phosphite offers a regenerative path out of agriculture’s fertilizer trap Mike Gilbert, CEO of MetaPhite Genetics, says Washington’s fertilizer debate reflects a system under strain, and phosphite offers a way to ease long‑term dependence on a finite resource. Mike Gilbert, CEO of MetaPhite Genetics, says Washington’s fertilizer debate reflects a system under strain, and phosphite offers a way to ease long‑term dependence on a finite resource.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24588 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:16:22 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24588-opinion-phosphite-offers-a-regenerative-path-out-of-agricultures-fertilizer-trap Mike Gilbert opinion Dr. Mike Gilbert (MetaPhite Genetics) Opinion: The RFS supports energy security and farm security Greg Anderson, a soybean farmer and Clean Fuels Alliance America board member, says the new Renewable Fuel Standards will help biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet America’s energy needs. Greg Anderson, a soybean farmer and Clean Fuels Alliance America board member, says the new Renewable Fuel Standards will help biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet America’s energy needs. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24584 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:01:16 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/24584-opinion-the-rfs-supports-energy-security-and-farm-security Greg Anderson - opinion.jpg