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Michigan agribusiness weighs in on Trump administration

The Ag Leaders of Michigan have sent a letter to the Trump administration requesting a need to maintain strong international markets.

Michigan Agri-Business Association President Jim Byrum tells Brownfield while president-elect Trump’s stance on overregulation is welcomed by the ag community, they’re very concerned by his position on trade.  “We produce way more here and grow more here in the United States and in Michigan specifically than we could ever consume.  We have to have trade and we want to make sure the president-elect and his new administration understands that and how critical this is to our industry.”

Byrum says Sonny Perdue named as the next secretary of agriculture is thrilling and hopes he will be a strong advocate for the industry as Perdue understand the issues important to agriculture.  “Mr. Perdue has a background in agriculture, actually operated a couple of grain elevators, a feed mill, and did a bunch of things in agriculture and agribusiness, even still owns a transportation company.”

Byrum says every level of agriculture needs to aggressively engage the new administration to make sure their concerns are heard.

The Ag Leaders of Michigan also includes the Michigan Corn Growers Association, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Michigan Pork Producers Association, Michigan Soybean Association, Potato Growers of Michigan and GreenStone Farm Credit Services.

AUDIO: Interview with Jim Byrum