Area Farmers Talk Momentum, Challenges at White House
Steve Hallstrom
Special to The Farmer
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The nation’s capital is usually a place for suits and shiny loafers, but cowboy hats and boots were in fashion Friday, as farmers and ranchers from across the country paid a visit to Washington, D.C.
North Dakota was well-represented in bringing the concerns of the Heartland directly to the doorsteps of the Trump Administration. The fly-in, which included representatives from the state’s pulse, row crop, and small grain sectors, comes at a crucial time as the federal government is adjusting its approach to global trade, domestic energy mandates, and emergency financial relief for the agricultural sector.
The “Celebration of Agriculture” at the White House was part of National Agriculture Day, with the president announcing actions to cut farming costs, including new guidance on farm equipment regulations and increased loan guarantees aimed at reversing the trend of losing family farms and fostering a “golden age” of American ag.
Among the leaders invited to the White House was Kim Saueressig, a farmer from McClusky who currently serves as the Chair of the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Council. For Saueressig and other pulse crop producers, the visit is a critical opportunity to stabilize a market that has seen significant volatility due to shifting international alliances. Despite the complexities of the current global landscape, Saueressig expressed a growing sense of optimism regarding the executive branch’s engagement with rural America. He visited with Scott Hennen, on the “What’s On Your Mind” radio show on AM 1090 the Flag.
For the full story, visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!