Special Report

Latham sees decade long struggle

Top Story IconFactors like lower commodity prices and ag policy have former Iowa Congressman Tom Latham concerned about the next ten years for farmers. Latham says “the potential for lower commodity prices, tax policy, changes in technology, government regulations, food policy, trade, what happens with the US budget, and what happens…I think…with the relationship today, of agriculture with the Congress.”

Latham points to USDA price projections for crops that could impact the value of farmland.  He says, “I think we all know the USDA has come out with projections that say we’re going to be at current levels or lower over the next ten years. The effect that that’s going to have, as far as land values…it’s been incredible.”

New technology is benefiting agriculture in many ways, but what about Big Data? Latham says, “What about the privacy of all this information? Who has access to it? How can it be used? Whether you talk about corporations that will use it to their advantage; competitors overseas. What about our very own government?”

Latham made his comments during the 2015 Commodity Classic.

AUDIO: Tom Latham speaking at 2015 Commodity Classic:

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!