Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland has been busy representing the voice of Kansas farmers and ranchers on some of the nation’s biggest stages. From attending President Trump’s joint session of Congress on March 4 as a guest of Congresswoman Sharice Davids to appearing on CNN to discuss the real-world impacts of trade and tariffs on agriculture and rural communities, his presence underscores the critical importance of ensuring rural America has a seat at the table in national conversations.

“Farm Bureau supports the goals of security and ensuring fair trade, but farmers and rural communities often bear the brunt of tariffs and tariff retaliation,” Newland says. “We’re hopeful President Trump can limit trade disruptions, and at the very least, make sure farmers who are already operating on thin margins aren’t caught in the crosshairs.”

Agricultural exports account for 33 percent of Kansas exports by value, making trade such a critical component of our economy. Additionally, USMCA is extremely important to American agriculture. Mexico is our No. 1 export market and Canada is number two, together with almost $60 billion per year. Specifically for Kansas, Mexico is our biggest trading partner, and Canada is in the top 3.

The grassroots policy of Kansas Farm Bureau is made by farmer and rancher members across the state.

“We are strong advocates of fair and open world trade,” Newland says. “We support lowering overburdensome or unreasonable tariffs on agricultural products, especially those products other countries are not producing.”


Coverage:

Topeka Capital-Journal

KWCH

Fox 4

KSN

Manhattan Mercury