Dear Friend of Agriculture,

While the agribusiness and farming sector in the Midwest is an economic powerhouse, its influence in Washington, DC, is at a crossroads. The 2020 election brought some major changes to the landscape of policy affecting agriculture. With former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota no longer in office, and with former midwestern USDA Undersecretaries Bill Northey and Greg Ibach no longer at the agency, our agriculture interests do not have the clout and power they used to have.

The new Administration is not tested at this point. To their credit they have picked an active rancher and farmer from South Dakota to be FSA Administrator. USDA Secretary Vilsack is a known quantity and someone from the Midwest. Many are concerned about the increased partisanship that we’re seeing within the Congress and where this may lead the Administration in the future.

Recently a group of us involved in agribusinesses and agriculture banking got together to consider whether it would make sense to join forces and put together a coalition similar to the Delta Council and the Southwest Council of Agribusiness, both of which formed as an alliance of farm business leaders advocating for strong U.S. farm and rural policy. They have been incredibly successful in achieving wins for commodity groups like cotton, rice and peanuts, and agribusinesses related to those industries.

Out of these discussions, we decided to form the Midwest Council on Agriculture to leverage the power of a six-state coalition of agribusinesses, commodity groups and agriculture lenders that will come together on common goals and advocate for a strong agriculture and rural policy for the Midwest region.

We have a window of opportunity in the coming years to tap into the influential expertise and credibility of Congressman Peterson, who can help us navigate the upcoming farm bill and other important business, tax and environmental issues facing the country. He will help us find our unified voice as we defend attacks on agriculture as a whole and develop a powerful regional voice.

Collin left Congress on a positive note and is well-respected among his former colleagues in both parties and the Administration. Having spent 30 years in Congress, he understands the opportunity this council and his voice could bring to this debate. He could have happily retired to his hunting cabin, but thankfully is still committed to rural America and those of us who understand the economic and cultural importance of farming and ranching.

As someone who’s economic livelihood depends on a robust farm economy, your participation and support of the Midwest Council on Agriculture would be incredibly helpful. We are modeling this 501(C)(6) organization after the Southwest Council of Agribusiness which was started by former Agriculture Committee Chairman Larry Combest along with his Chief of Staff Tom Sell. We are envisioning a dues-based organization similar to the Southwest Council.

As a member, you will have insider access to farm policy happenings in Washington, DC, without having to hire your own lobbyist, receive regular updates and the opportunity to be involved in developing consensus issues affecting Midwest agriculture, get assistance on specific issues affecting your business and be part of strengthening agriculture in our seven-state region. You also will have access to former Chairman Peterson and his staff at The Peterson Group.

Please consider joining our coalition of main street businesses, farmers and bankers who are committed to finding the common ground necessary to strengthen all of us involved in Midwest agriculture.

Sincerely,

Howard Olson, AgCountry Farm Credit, Fargo, ND

Jamie Duininck, Prinsco, Willmar, MN

Brian and Darren Hefty, Hefty Seed Co., Baltic, SD

James Nygren, Farm Credit Services of America, Omaha, Nebraska