FarmFest 2026
Last week, I proudly joined producers, agribusiness leaders, and fellow lawmakers at FarmFest. Bringing federal leadership, including House Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Austin Scott, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and USDA Under Secretary for Trade & Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg, to our farmers ensures Washington hears directly from Greater Minnesota.
Here are key takeaways from the discussions we had:
- Secretary Rollins and I joined the Minnesota Corn Growers to hold the first of several newly announced USDA listening sessions. These USDA sessions will focus on improving reporting accuracy, cutting red tape, and delivering needed stability to local producers.
- At a roundtable hosted by the Farm Journal Foundation and Minnesota Soybean Growers, I joined Secretary Rollins, Administrator Loeffler, and leaders from numerous ag sectors to discuss recent executive actions and legislative updates, and hear what our producers need right from the source.
- At the Minnesota Farm Bureau and Minnesota Cattlemen’s booths, we focused on expanding access to SBA capital so family operations and agribusinesses have the tools to thrive.
- The USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg joined me to meet with the Minnesota Pork Producers to address key economic priorities, including opening international trade markets, reducing heavy federal regulations, and keeping local producers competitive worldwide.
- Under Secretary Lindberg also joined me to talk with the Minnesota Turkey Growers to discuss ag workforce shortages, enforcing trade protections under USMCA, and continuing federal efforts to combat Avian Flu (HPAI).
Ensuring Minnesota agriculture has a seat at the table remains one of my priorities! |