2021 Spring Farm

2021 Logan County Farm Outlook LINCOLN DAILY NEWS March 18, 2021 Page 9 worker-bees of the White House; those who are chosen to write or re-write policy and advise the president on how to approach reform in agriculture, if at all. The re-appointment of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture was met with mixed emotions by producers across the country. Vilsack served in the secretary position under Obama. Then, and now, he was considered to be a ‘company man’ earning the nickname of “Mr. Monsanto” because of his relationship with the mega agricultural supplier. When he left the office, he took on a position as chief executive of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Because of these “before and after” positions, many farmers are not certain where Vilsack’s loyalties will lie. Vilsack has noted in various publications that he does have an agenda for the USDA that includes some very important topics for producers across the country. Recognizing that nearly 90 percent of American farmers do not make the majority of their annual income on the farm, Vilsack has vowed to work toward establishing new sources of income for producers. On March 1st Vilsack told the National Farmers Union that he will “refocus” on food hub and farmers markets. He plans to revisit the Grain Inspection and Packers and Stockyard Acts. President Biden also has a lengthy to-do list. Among the items on that list there are a number that will impact agriculture. President Biden says he wants to enhance opportunities for new farms and young producers. He hopes to be able to double the maximum loan amount to $100,000 on the USDA Microloan program and increase funding for the USDA Farm Ownership and Operating Loans. He is looking to reverse or at least re-write immigration laws in the U.S., which in the end gives migrant workers an opportunity for citizenship. Immigrant workers who hold a green card for three years will be offered the opportunity to apply for citizenship, providing they meet additional specifications such as passing background checks and “knowledge of English and U.S. civics.” One of the larger concerns for the agriculture industry may be the future of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Act. WOTUS was introduced and implemented in the Obama administration and found to be very unpopular with farmers. During the Trump Continue 4