Ag Secretary to Join Virtual Town Hall, Discussing Most Pressing Issues in Agriculture

From possible tax changes in Washington, D.C., spurring concern, to a new vision for agriculture's role in conservation, policy in Washington, D.C., will have a direct impact on farmers and ranchers. 

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will join Clinton Griffiths, editor of Farm Journal magazine and host of AgDay TV, for a live town hall virtually this week. The conversation will take place Thursday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. CDT, and will give farmers and ranchers the opportunity to directly ask Vilsack about the most pressing issues and opportunities they face today and for years to come. 

"Anytime we get an opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with leaders in Washington, D.C. it's important to be involved," says Griffiths. "So many folks that make their living in rural America never get the opportunity to ask our policy executives a question. We hope this forum will provide that chance."

The discussion will happen in a virtual town-hall-style conversation around the most critical topics in agriculture during Farm Journal’s next Farm Country Update. The free webinar is titled “American Ag Policy: A Conversation with the Secretary of Agriculture."

Discussions around trade have become rather quiet in agriculture since President Joe Biden took office, but Griffiths expects questions around trade priorities taking shape at USDA, as well as inquiries into COVID-19 responses and supply chain issues. Biofuels groups have been vocal lately about the push for more electric vehicles, as biofuels advocates question how renewable fuels fit into overall climate goals. Griffiths says add to the discussion improved commodity prices, natural disasters, and infrastructure discussions, there will be no shortage of topics to cover.  

“There are so many reasons to be encouraged about agriculture in 2021,” adds Griffiths. “This is an opportunity to hear from Secretary Vilsack himself on the future of the industry, the challenges ahead and the policies he expects to shape our conversations over the next several years.”

Audience participants will be able to submit questions during the event. Register now for this free online event at www.farmjournal.com/farm-country-updates/. All registered attendees will receive on-demand access to the session when available.