THE LAND — JUNE 28/JULY 5, 2019
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
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Director Nelsen is learning the ropes at AgriGrowth By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus Growing up in the Winthrop area, Tamara Nelsen has a good feel for farming and the agricultural community that supports farmers. But she’s still a ‘rookie’ in her new role as executive director of AgriGrowth. Nelsen assumed her position on Feb. 1. Her previous work was Director of Commodities for the Illinois Farm Bureau for 20 years at their Bloomington headquarters. She also racked up 11 years in Washington D.C. working in agricultural policy and public trade. Nelsen admitted she is excited about
her new work. “Agricultural marketing has been particularly astounding the past 20 years. And yes, it’s been a roller coaster experience,” she reflected. So a logical question for this veteran is what’s ahead? Nelson reported recent conversations with farmers. “Some are excited because prices are bumping up with the expectation that it will be a short harvest. But some also told me they were 80 percent planted for this season. Even with wet soils and cool temperatures, they think that with these new genetically-advanced hybrids, they’re going to be okay this fall. So it depends upon where you are in this entire corn belt … eastern end still struggling with excessive rains and
little planting; western areas much better shape it seems,” summed up Nelsen. So if the President moves with tariffs on any or all imports of Mexican purchases, will U.S. agriculture feel the bite? “Yes, that intended move I think is a huge mistake — especially since that USMC agreement was virtually ready for signatures. Mexico is such a good neighbor when it comes to trade. Continuing to use tariffs as a hammer on things such as immigration issues I think is a real negative aimed right at the heart of farmers. I think that action will backfire,” said Nelsen. Her thoughts on future trade with China? She calls it a tit-for-tat exercise; but she thinks a strong future is
possible simply because China’s economy is so big. “Plus, they have a growing middle class with better incomes and stronger demands in the food chain.” Nelsen has been to China twice with Illinois farmers. “In both trips, we visualized China was going to be a fantastic partner with United States. But we also agreed China is going to be a very difficult trading partner. They lack enforcement of trade agreements. China is quite guilty of skirting around the edges of trade deals. Also, China isn’t bashful about ownership of technologies — especially U.S. technologies that they seem to acquire ‘on good faith agreements.’ I think settling these
billion spending bill. “Anybody who thinks we’re going to come through this process with everyone singing “Kumbaya” is living in a fantasy land,” said Chamberlain. “Mentally, the Legislature has been stuck for almost 20 years at a $1 billion
bonding bill,” said DFL-South St. Paul House Member Rick Hansen. “I’m hopeful that as we move into the 21st century that if the needs exist we will make effort to actually fund them.” v
See NELSEN, pg. 8
Director Kay’s final thoughts on AgriGrowth experience By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer Emeritus With just three days remaining in his work with AgriGrowth, Director of Government and Member Relations Gary Kay shared a few thoughts on his immediate past and his new venture with Cargill which starts June 10. The location of our discussion was the June 4 AgriGrowth legislative wrap up luncheon next door to the State Capital. “With Cargill, I’ll be working on the grain side of their agricultural supply chain. I’ll be working out of their Wayzata corporate headquarters. My new job will have me traveling the upper Midwest calling on various Cargill grain-handling clientele. My years with AgriGrowth have prepared me well,” said Kay. Working in the Cargill supply chain, his duties will involve getting grains to various markets on time. Kay said he’s very much aware of farmer thoughts in view of current uncertainties in the marketing of commodities. ”Getting the USMC (United State-Mexico-Canada) trade agreement passed will be a big step and keeping most tariffs off the table would be a helpful measure also. The President’s trade team is at the Capital today trying to calm some nerves.” He sees two roles for AgriGrowth: Being a public policy advocate at the State Capital; and a convener of the community of agriculture and food community (such as today’s luncheon with various state legislative mem-
bers). Another biggie is the Nov. 7 Ag and Food Summit at the Minneapolis Convention Center. “Playing this dual role is how AgriGrowth is an important voice,” Kay stated. “We have a growing population of people — including elected officials — who have no background in agriculture. AgriGrowth sees this as an increasing challenge.” Kay is well-acquainted in public policy having worked for three years in the Minnesota State House on tax policy. He also worked two House candidate campaigns; some Capitol Hill experience working in D. C.; and back in Minnesota with AgriGrowth Council as a director, member and government relations. Still a young man, Kay already has good ‘trench experiences’. Some of that experience was displayed by the four Legislative members who addressed dozens of agriculture and food systems industry officials at the luncheon. The panel, two Democrats and two Republicans, agreed a heftier bonding bill of $1 billion plus is very likely a high priority in the 2020 Legislative session. “But we need to be concerned about two things: the stability of our revenue system and where do we get the revenue,” said Republican Senate Tax Committee Chair Roger Chamberlain of Lino Lakes. “We either need to grow the labor force or increase productivity to grow the economy.” The panel said legislative leaders had good intentions on bringing transparency to the process of writing a $48
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