Lori Stevermer, President of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and a Minnesota pork producer, delivered a keynote presentation at the Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas City, Missouri. Stevermer emphasized the critical need for Congress to expedite approval of a new Farm Bill, which would address several pressing issues for the agriculture industry.
Key Issues Highlighted by Stevermer:
- Foreign Animal Diseases: The Farm Bill should include provisions to protect the pork industry from foreign animal diseases, which pose significant risks to producers.
- Export Promotion and Feral Swine Eradication: Stevermer called for increased funding for export promotion programs and a program dedicated to eradicating feral swine, which continue to threaten farmland and livestock.
- National Detector Dog Training Center: She also pushed for continued support of the National Detector Dog Training Center to enhance biosecurity efforts.
- California Proposition 12: Stevermer highlighted the urgent need to fix the challenges posed by California Proposition 12, which continues to create hurdles for pork producers across the U.S.
- Agricultural Labor Shortage: A key issue Stevermer focused on was the labor shortage facing agriculture. She urged for visa reforms, particularly the TN visa, which is often used by producers to employ professionals such as animal breeders, animal scientists, and veterinarians. Unfortunately, U.S. producers are experiencing significant rejections of TN visa applicants without cause or the ability to appeal.
Discussion and NPPC Involvement:
After her presentation, Stevermer joined Agri-Pulse CEO and Publisher Sara Wyant for a Q&A session, further discussing NPPC’s priorities and the importance of resolving these pressing issues for the pork industry.
NPPC Economist Holly Cook and Immediate Past President Scott Hays, a Missouri pork producer, were also in attendance, contributing to the broader conversations during the forum.
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