Ag Policy Summit to Tackle Trade, Market Loss
Published: Friday, July 12, 2019
With historically disastrous planting conditions, bogged down trade relationships and huge market losses due to African Swine Fever, there has never been a more critical time for Indiana farmers to tackle policy issues. Join us at the Indianapolis Colts Football Practice Facility on July 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Ag Policy Summit, presented by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Growers Assn. For agriculture to score a touchdown, farmers need to write a new playbook—a game plan for productive farm policy.
"The stakes have never been higher for Hoosier farmers than they are today. Farmers were already experiencing a blitz of challenges with trade disruptions, reduced livestock demand due to African Swine Fever and EPA refinery waivers that have severely diminished ethanol demand," said ICGA President Sarah Delbecq. "Now, Mother Nature has seen fit to 'sack the quarterback' before we've even had a chance to call a play for this year's farming season. The unprecedented wet weather that delayed, reduced and prevented planting has been a game changer—and not in a good way."
"Indiana sits right at ground zero in terms of being hardest hit by this spring's weather phenomenon, said Phil Ramsey, chairman of the ISA Membership and Policy Committee. Even economists, grain marketers and USDA experts haven't been able to get handle on the true gravity of the situation. But we do know Hoosier farmers need a 'Hail Mary.' And policy makers need to help carry the ball for Hoosier farmers."
The Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Growers Assn. Ag Policy Summit will offer farmers and stakeholders a chance to play offense on ag issues most impacting the Indiana corn ag industry. Attendees will hear from U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-2nd) with an update from Washington, D.C. Indiana Director of Broadband Opportunities Scott Rudd with a discussion on plans for the expansion of rural broadband in Indiana, and, and farm humorist Damian Mason, who will convert extra points with provoking insights.
The summit will take place at the newly remodeled Colts practice facility at 7001 W. 56th St. in Indianapolis. The day begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and will end by 3 p.m. Register at www.indianasoybean.com/summit.
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