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Biden’s State of the Union addresses few ag issues

President Biden brought up some issues important to farmers in his State of The Union speech but left out others.

Biden thanked both parties for passing the infrastructure law. “America used to have the best roads, bridges, and airports on earth and now, our infrastructure is ranked 13th in the world. We won’t be able to compete for the jobs of the 21st century if we don’t fix it.”

And Biden did bring up consolidation issues affecting farmers and consumers. “Small businesses and family farmers and ranchers, I need not tell some of my Republican friends from those states. Guess what? You’ve got four basic meatpacking facilities. That’s it. You play with them, or you don’t get to play at all, and you pay a hell of a lot more.”

The President announced steps he is taking to deal with shipping container prices and availability. “About a half a dozen or less foreign-owned companies raised prices by as much as 1000% and made record profits. Tonight, I’m announcing a crackdown on those companies overcharging American businesses and consumers.” Biden also called on Congress to address immigration issues and border security.

Biden didn’t discuss energy independence but mentioned that part of his infrastructure spending would support electric vehicles. “We’ll build a national network of 500-thousand electric vehicle charging stations.”

Governor Kim Reynolds Iowa made the Republican response and did comment on energy. “We’re fighting to restore America’s energy independence, and that includes biofuels.”

House Ag Committee Republican Leader Glenn GT Thompson issued a statement after Biden’s address saying, “Between surging input costs, skyrocketing fertilizer prices, the highest inflation in 40 years, and endless regulatory uncertainty, the Biden administration’s   failing policies remain out-of-touch with the challenges and everyday needs of farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers.”  Thompson says, “Farm families need relief, reliable markets, and steadfast leadership. President Biden missed the mark this evening, providing a great deal of Washington speak and lip service to boilerplate proposals.”