According to Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, a long-time ag policy advisor and economist, producers should be focusing on three main policy issues this year:
- Renewable Fuels and Climate Change
- Trade
- Availability of Farm Programs
Flinchbaugh discussed these priorities as the keynote speaker for the Great Plains Ag Credit Stockholders meeting and encouraged producers to get involved with these issues.
When discussing climate change, Flinchbaugh warned that politicians have decided climate change is a real issue, therefore producers must take the issue seriously.
He stated that agricultural trade has declined, and that we are entering an era of protectionism that may limit free trade agreements. Meanwhile, producers are facing politicians who are constantly trying to limit the availability of farm programs.
In conclusion, Flinchbaugh expressed his admiration for agriculture by stating, “There is no tougher occupation than that of the farmer and rancher.”
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