Commentary by John Block

by | Oct 13, 2016 | 5 Ag Stories, News

by Ken Root & Whitney Flach

Listen Here: Profit Matters 10-13-16

It is easy to take our eyes off the fundamentals of agriculture and rural life in times like these. It is also hard to imagine that one person or one group can control their own destiny. Ag Secretary John Block looks at the bigger picture in his commentary.

Block shares that in times of low farm prices it’s encouraging to see farm associations and leaders stepping up to protect farmers and ranchers.

He explained that The CEO’s of Crop Life, National Corn Growers, and National Soybean Growers, became co-chairs of a powerful ag leadership team, that also included American Farm Bureau, National Association of Farmer Co-Ops, Farmers Union, and many more. Block said, “The leaders met with policy representatives of both the Trump and Clinton campaigns. Farm leaders of different crops and different priorities spoke in unison asking to stop the regulatory overreach, and expressed the importance of trade.” Block stressed that regardless of who gets elected as president, the industry needs to be heard.

He also talked about some new farmland that his family began growing crops on this year with disappointing yields. “No one can tell me that ignoring new technology in agriculture is a good idea. We don’t do anything as we did 60 years ago, Block said.”

John Block?s commentary is underwritten by John Deere and American Farm Bureau.