Our farmer friends (and those who work in ag-related industries) know the in-and-outs of ag policy debates, but often those whose livelihood isn't tied to the land aren't up on the intricacies of the discussion or identities of the players.
Since the questions on Tuesday afternoon's congressional forum at Farmfest will be asked by these folks:
Ag Leader Panel :
* Lynn Ketelsen, Linder Farm Network, Moderator
* Kevin Paap, President, MN Farm Bureau
* Doug Peterson, President, MN Farmer's Union
* Kristin Weeks Duncanson, Vice President, MN Agri-Growth Council
* Roger Moore, President, MN Corn Grower's Assn.
* Lance Peterson, Past-President, MN Soybean Grower's Assn.
We thought it might provide some useful context for Tuesday's congressional to link to biographical info about the ag leaders,as well as policy statements from the organizations they represent--and those of their national organizations for those that are so affiliated. In the order listed on the program:
Kevin Paap, President, MN Farm Bureau
Learn about the MFB's 2008 state and federal legislative priorities here. The group maintains FBACT, a legislative action center that includes links to alerts and other information.
The state organization is part of the American Farm Bureau; its site includes these backgrounders on various policy issues. AFB President Tom Stallman will be take part in Wednesday's "Beyond the Farm Bill" forum with Senator Klobuchar and NFU President Tom Buis.
Information about the Minnesota Farm Bureau's tent, pork-chop-on-a-stick booth and other activities is available here. MFB will host a free pancake breakfast for the first 1000 people on Wednesday morning starting at 8 a.m. State history buffs should check out the county-by-county database of Century Farms.
Kevin Papp farms in Blue Earth County.
Doug Peterson, President, MN Farmer's Union
Those who want the MFU's rather extensive policy statement should contact the organization here.
The MFU is part of the National Farmers Union; NFU President Tom Buis will be a panelist on the "Beyond the Farm Bill" forum with Senator Klobuchar and AFB President Tom Stallman on Wednesday. Buis will be a part of the MFU's team for the buffalo chip tossing contest later that afternoon.
The Minnesota Farmers Union sponsors the yummy Minnesota Cooks demonstrations at the State Fair, where they'll also be featuring the amazing mocha-on-a-stick frozen treats once again. At Farmfest, they'll be serving their fresh-roasted Fair Trade Farmers Coffee at their booth just west of the forum tent.
A former state representative, Doug Peterson farms in Lac qui Parle County.
(Disclosure: I'm a Minnesota Farmers Union member and sit on the by-laws committee. I have not been on the policy committee nor have I been a voting delegate to recent state conventions.)
Kristin Weeks Duncanson, Vice President, MN Agri-Growth Council
The Minnesota Agri-Growth Council membership ranges from agribusiness giants like ADM and Monsanto to MNSCU colleges and universities and the U to commodity groups and individuals. Its state legislative agenda can be found here [pdf file].
It bills itself in press releases as:
an advocate for the state’s food and agriculture industry. Founded in 1968, the Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents the shared interests of its 200-plus members, which include food and agriculture businesses, organizations and producers, as well as the service industries that support them.
A former Boschwitz aide and past MN Soybean Grower director, Duncanson raises kids, grain, and livestock near Mapleton in Blue Earth County; she also serves as the president of SoyPAC.
Roger Moore, President, MN Corn Grower's Assn
Policy statements are available by request. The group promotes profitability for corn farmers and research for corn growing and corn products. Legislative support for and research into ethanol and other biomass derived from corn is a major emphasis on the site. The group celebrated its 30th year in 2008.
It is an affiliate of the National Corn Growers Association. The group's policy positions can be found here.
Like Papp and Duncanson, Moore lives in the First. He farms nears Blue Earth.
Lance Peterson, Past-President, MN Soybean Grower's Assn
A Word document of the MSBG's 2008 policy resolutions can be downloaded here and its priority issues--biodiesel, conservation, transportation, livestock and soybean research--can be explored online here. The group describes itself as:
the lobbying arm of the soybean producer. MSGA is a non-profit, farmer-controlled membership organization established in 1962. Its goal is to assure profitable soybean farming by monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities.
Headquartered in North Mankato, the MCGA is an affiliate of the American Soybean Association. Its current issues are found here. Peterson farms near Underwood, Minnesota.
Tuesday's forum will mark the first time Congressman Walz, a member of the House Ag Committee, and the Republican primary candidates Senator Dick Day and Brian Davis will meet. House Ag chair Collin Peterson will be paired with his Republican rival Glen Menze, whom Peterson readily defeated in 2000. DFL endorsed candidates Steve Sarvi (MN-02) and El Tinklenberg (MN-06) have confirmed that they will take part; incumbent representatives Kline and Bachmann are not on the schedule at this time.
Curiously, Bachmann does have an exhibitor's booth--next to the 1st and 7th congressional district booth--and her mobile office will be on hand.
In a show of fiscal conservatism, Congressman Walz will be sharing a booth with Representative Peterson.
Photo: A Minnesota farm.
Maybe I missed it in an earlier post, but isn’t Governor Tim Pawlenty scheduled to give the keynote address just before the discussion with the Congressional Representatives and candidates ?
Also, on the schedule for Wednesday, is a discussion titled, "Beyond The New Farm Bill ......What are the next Big Policy Issues facing Agriculture" with Senator Amy Klobuchar, American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman and National Farmers Union President Tom Buis.
Some of your readers may wonder if only candidates that are up for election this year will be appearing, as I recall one year Gil Gutknecht did not show up but just sent a member of his staff. Very poor of Gutknecht and Kline and Bachmann are sending the same message if they do not appear.
Yep--I'd posted before about the other events. I can't explain why Bachmann and Kline declined the invite.
Posted by: MinnesotaCentral | August 05, 2008 at 09:11 AM