Thoughts on ag in Trump’s presidency

Nov 15, 2016

New president mentioned withdrawing from the TPP

Schae Greenzweig
PigCHAMP

Last week, Donald Trump was elected the 45^th President of the United States, receiving strong support from the majority of rural counties throughout the country. Those same voters who helped place him in office are anxious for more details on the proposed agriculture policies of the President-elect, since both Mr. Trump and Sen. Clinton were rather quiet about this topic on the campaign trail.

It’s difficult to tell at this time where the future president’s priorities lie within agriculture. We do know he’s made some bold statements related to immigration and trade, both of which are directly related to agriculture. Trump has made it clear since the beginning of his campaign that he intends to crack down on illegal immigration. He also plans to negotiate or fully abandon trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

At an event in Des Moines, Iowa this past August, Trump spoke on more specific issues related to the Midwest farmer. “We are going to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard, corn-based ethanol, eliminate job-killing regulations like the Waters of the United States rule, which is a disaster, and provide desperately needed tax relief,” Trump said, according to Politico.

The Trump Administration released a list of agricultural advisors made up of nearly 70 people, including Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Trump will also be working with a Republican House and Senate when his term begins on Jan. 20.

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.