Podcast appearances and mentions of ag secretary

Ag Secretary says the USDA is leading a coordinated One Health response to combat New World Screwworm, and says additional innovative solutions are in the works.

The small community of Ashippun in Dodge County is using farmland preservation tools to keep consistency as a part of land transition. Robert Guenther, dairy farmer and member of the Town of Ashippun Planning Commission says the community is facing increasing growth pressures, including recent applications for a private golf course and a solar energy farm. Ashippun's growth is largely driven by its location directly north of the rapidly growing village of Oconomowoc. Geunther says the community is learning just how expensive that growth can be. He says local studies have shown that every dollar collected in taxes on farmland costs the town about 75 cents in services, whereas every dollar collected from development land costs about $1.25 in municipal expenses. Ashippun currently operates under A1 and A2 zoning. A1 is prime farmland with highly restrictive rules, while A2 is less restrictive and includes over 70 different conditional use opportunities. Because the town of Ashippun is under Dodge County zoning, the local planning commission can only make recommendations while the county holds final approval power. A major point of contention regarding the incoming private golf course is its location directly across the street from a 400-cow dairy farm, which local leaders view as a conflicting land use. A conditional use permit for a proposed solar operation on A1 prime farmland was rejected by Dodge County after unanimous denial recommendations from both the Ashippun planning commission and the town board. Local leaders note that farmland preservation zoning is simply a different zoning district that controls land use. It is often confused with a 15-year state farmland preservation agreement, which is much more restrictive on landowner rights. We've got a hot, sticky week ahead with some measurable rain. Stu Muck spells out what to plan for. Weather did not deter the crowd from showing up Friday in Chippewa County for President Donald Trump and U.S. Ag Secretary, Brooke Rollins. Mid-West Farm Report's Bob Bosold was there. A round table was arranged so the president could hear directly from farmers on the issues they believe matter. One farmer that testified was Steve Rooney, owner/operator of Rooney Grain. He says the situation agriculture finds itself with monopolies is untenable. Rooney implored the president to look at ways to invest in producing things like fertilizer, seed and ag chem in more than one company. Multiple farms hosted throngs of visitors for June Dairy events over the weekend. That included Jody Miller from Miller Time Farms in Avoca. She talks with Pam Jahnke about why that kind of face-to-face interaction with consumers is so meaningful and important. Miller sits on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board. She's also one of the persona that's been amplified through the "Born to Dairy" campaign. Miller is a "Barnyard Beautifier" who enjoys featuring flowers everywhere around her farmstead. She says portraying the proper visual message to consumers is important to her. Miller notes that a clean, well-kept farmstead lets consumers know that farmers care about their land, water and animals. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dem Double Standards on full display with Pete Buttigieg and Elizabeth Warren having locked the JetBlue-Spirit merger, effectively killing Spirit Airlines and destroying over 17,000 jobs, the party of the "little guy" and of "kindness" rally behinds Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite his Nazi SS-style tattoo and controversial baggage. We also dive into the MN fraud investigation implications, President Trumps Project Freedom to escort ships through the Hormuz Straight and good news for cattle ranchers from the Ag Secretary. Enjoy another packed and loaded episode of The Alan Sanders Show, bringing you the news you won't get from the propaganda wing of the Democrat Party. Please take a moment to rate and review the show and then share the episode on social media. You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, GETTR, TRUTH Social, TikTok, YouTube and Rumble by searching for The Alan Sanders Show. And, consider becoming a sponsor of the show by visiting my Patreon page!

Ross emphasized that agriculture in California is at a critical moment, balancing economic pressures, regulatory demands, and long-term sustainability goals. She noted that farming today requires navigating a complex landscape of competing interests across a state with more than 39 million residents. “Everything in farming is difficult right now,” Ross said. “The job of government is to balance… a little bit of this and a little bit of that.” One of the biggest issues discussed was water—an ongoing concern for growers across the state. Ross pointed to changing weather patterns, including reduced snowpack reliability, as a major factor impacting water availability. While some argue the issue is tied to infrastructure, she stressed that shifting hydrology must also be considered. “Our hydrology looks like it's changing,” she said. “We must do a better job with water storage. It's that simple.” Ross highlighted continued efforts to invest in water infrastructure, including regional storage, groundwater cleanup, and large-scale projects like Sites Reservoir. However, she acknowledged that funding and permitting remain significant hurdles. Beyond water, the conversation turned to regulation and the burden it places on farmers. Ross recognized that California's regulatory system has grown increasingly complex over time, often requiring farmers to submit similar information to multiple agencies. “We've seen continuous add-on,” she said. “People are asking for the same information… in slightly different forms.” Efforts are underway to streamline some of those requirements, including pilot programs aimed at aligning reporting across agencies. Ross indicated that improving efficiency without sacrificing standards is a key goal moving forward. She also discussed the importance of innovation in agriculture, including a newly released statewide roadmap focused on research, technology, and long-term resiliency. The plan aims to support growers over the next decade by improving productivity while addressing environmental and economic challenges. Ross stressed that resilience must include profitability, not just environmental goals. “You cannot have climate resiliency or environmental resiliency if you don't have economic resiliency,” she said. Looking ahead, Ross said the future of California agriculture will likely include more automation, improved technology, and a stronger focus on sustainability. However, she emphasized that maintaining family farms and supporting rural communities must remain a priority. “Over 93 percent of California farms are family farms,” she said. “They take a long-term view.” As she prepares to step down after 16 years as Secretary, Ross encouraged continued collaboration across the industry, government, and agricultural organizations to ensure a strong future for farming in the state. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

A rural crime investigator talks about what's popular in farm thefts and prevention tips. The U.S. Agriculture Secretary says they're working to lower farm input costs and increase farm exports. Legislation to increase the minimum agricultural wage. And a story about what's being done to educate the public about the nation's Dietary Guideline recommendations. A bill to monitor farm nitrogen applications and discharges. 

Haley Bickelkaupt hosts AgDay: Could we actually see a farm bill this year? Both houses of Congress appear poised to get moving. Plus, the Ag Secretary pays a visit to Nebraska to see the damage caused by massive wildfiresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Commodity Classic 2026 in San Antonio, U.S. Secretary Brooke Rollins, NRCS Secretary Aubrey Bettencourt and USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce answered many questions from the farm media about the state of U.S. trade, the fighting to eliminate the new world screw worm, input costs, E-15, the USDA's relocation to hub offices in the heartland, farm succession and more.

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In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden puts right-to-repair in the national spotlight. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman highlights the decisions HTS Ag's Adam Gittins says he might make differently based on what he's learned. Also in this episode, dealers report precision was a bright spot for 2025 business and OEMs share their outlook for how dealers can use technology to help their high value crop customers.

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A discussion on the contested primary race for Iowa agriculture secretary and more on this Politics Day episode with political scientists Megan Goldberg and Jim McCormick.

Ag Secretary Rollins and Congressional Ag Leaders to Speak at AFBF Convention in Anaheim

During a recent phone call with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall took the opportunity to discuss two important issues facing agriculture. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall recently discussed the challenges facing farm country with the Secretary of Agriculture. Chad Smith has more on the conversation.

Clinton Griffiths hosts AgDay: Cattle futures markets sink after Tyson announces changes at one of the biggest beef processing plants in the nation. Plus, an update from the Ag Secretary about when she says an announcement could be made about aid for farmers, and a non-profit that lends farmers a hand up during harvest season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the HAT Podcast Greg Allen and our new high school intern from Montgomery County, Sophia Shannon have the news including another tool for soybean protection and the Ag Secretary explains what she is doing at USDA to mitigate government overreach on family farms. HAT Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin has a very nice Indiana Farm Forecast for only a few days, and Wednesday corn and soybean markets finished higher while wheat was steady. Andy Eubank has market settlements and Tom Fritz has analysis. It's all part of the #HATPodcast, made possible by First Farmers Bank & Trust - proudly serving local farms, families, and agribusiness for 140 years. Visit them online at FFBT.com to learn more.

On the HAT Podcast C.J. Miller and Greg Allen have the news including more details on importing beef from the Ag Secretary and what farmers talked with Secretary Rollins about during her farm visit near Lebanon last week. The Indiana Farm Forecast with HAT Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin, sponsored by Indiana Ag Nutrient Alliance, includes a nice start to the week with continued warm and dry weather, and corn, soybean and wheat futures all added gains Friday. Andy Eubank has the settlements and analyst Brian Basting has commentary. It's all part of the #HATPodcast, made possible by First Farmers Bank & Trust - proudly serving local farms, families, and agribusiness for 140 years. Visit them online at FFBT.com to learn more.

Michelle Rook hosts AgDay: We wrap up our Harvest Your Independence tour by visiting a farmer in Minnesota. See what he's calling the corn harvest of a lifetime. Plus, the latest from the Ag Secretary on the government shutdown and its impact on producers and an update from the International Dairy Federation Summit in Santiago, Chile.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darin Von Ruden is the President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and he joins the show once a month to update us on everything going on in the farming world. Today, we're talking tariffs, bail outs and a future that looks dark for our agriculture community, but our Ag Secretary has another "elegant solution". He also tells us how the government shutdown is affecting them and the tough choices his family need to make. For today's Audio Sorbet with offer a side of gripe: why do people send pictures of their injuries and scars? And to round out the show, let's get to This Shouldn't Be Thing - We Left A Note Edition. As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn't do this without you! Don't forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way! Guest: Darin Von Ruden

Darin Von Ruden is the President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and he joins the show once a month to update us on everything going on in the farming world. Today, we're talking tariffs, bail outs and a future that looks dark for our agriculture community, but our Ag Secretary has another "elegant solution". He also tells us how the government shutdown is affecting them and the tough choices his family need to make. For today's Audio Sorbet with offer a side of gripe: why do people send pictures of their injuries and scars? And to round out the show, let's get to This Shouldn't Be Thing - We Left A Note Edition. As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn't do this without you! Don't forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way! Guest: Darin Von Ruden

Michelle Rook hosts AgDay: China buys several cargoes of soybeans from Argentina, so what will it take for China to buy U.S. soybeans? Plus, the Ag Secretary has an update on possible aid for row crop producers, and we hear what's on the minds of farmers at this year's Moving Iron Summit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is evaluating whether to grant aid to American farmers this fall, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Monday. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A gaggle of self-righteous multimillionaires are now in charge of America's poverty agencies and policies, and they've been flaunting their deeply-held ignorance about poor families – almost none of whom they actually know.Consider the national embarrassment of Brooke Rollins, a patrician ideologue, who is Trump's plutocratic Secretary of Agriculture. Besides promoting a corporatized food and farm system, Rollins is advocating a program of back-to-the-future peonage for poor people. “We have way too many people that are taking government program that are able to work,” she snorts.Bad grammar aside, she falsely asserts that “34 million able-bodied adults” are freeloading on public health care. They're taking Medicaid benefits that they ought to have to “earn” by hard labor, she recently decreed. Her Dickensian solution: Put the moochers to work in the fields!Noting that Trump's militarized assault on immigrants has terrorized agricultural workers, thus creating a farm labor crisis, Rollins wants to hitch America's poor families to the plow. Voilà – labor shortage solved, and the poor are forced to earn their medical care. What a brilliant leader!Except for her rank ignorance. First, 64 percent of Medicaid recipients are already working and nearly all of the rest are retirees, unable to work, or struggling to find jobs. Second, she's obviously unaware that agriculture is skilled work – you can't just bus city and suburban people out to the country and say “grow stuff.”And third, it is beyond arrogant for a rich government autocrat – who takes $220,000 a year from taxpayers, plus platinum healthcare benefits and a fat pension – to be pontificating about forcing “undeserving” poor into hot fields to produce a nice leafy salad for her lunch.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

Why are corn prices so low? We get the latest from market watchers. Plus, the Ag Secretary raises some eyebrows after comments regarding farm labor, and there's a new variety of Durum wheat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is Aug. 5-7 at Clinton Farms in Bear Creek. Ruth Trinrud is a dairy farmer near Waupaca. She’s heading up fundraising efforts for this year’s show – the dollars make it possible. Ruth tells Stephanie Hoff that people or businesses are invited to donate money or in-kind equipment, time, and materials. It also takes manpower to run Wisconsin Farm Technology Days – not just during the show itself, August 5-7, but also for set-up and take-down. Sue Aschliman is recruiting volunteers, and she needs 100 people per day. Get in touch with Ruth and Sue at https://www.wifarmtechdays.org/. Nice summer day on the way for Wisconsin after some surprise microbursts Tuesday. Stu Muck gives us the report. Lots of estate sales that are being added to the books at Steffes Auction. Ashley Huhn tells Pam Jahnke that's not unusual at this time of the year. He says they are often called in as fuduciary advisors in those situations. Paid for by Steffes Group. U.S. Ag Secretary, Brooke Rollins has been added as a member to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This is a seven-part plan for addressing agricultural security and protecting national security. Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation explains why its a key move. Particularly because this group reviews potential sales of partnerships of food companies merging or being acquired by international companies. July is National Ice Cream month and Cedar Crest Ice Cream has a great way to celebrate. Stephanie Hoff shares the story of how Cedar Crest has partnered with Wisconsin 4-H clubs statewide to create new flavors each summer. This year, Shannon Simon with Cedar Crest says you'll be enjoying "Demo Derby" flavored ice cream.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinton Griffiths hosts AgDay: How are crops impacted by the heat wave hitting the Midwest and East Coast, and is a break from the extreme heat on the way? Plus, the Ag Secretary says modifications to the H-2A program are on the way, and a recent farm auction in Iowa marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the HAT Podcast Eric Pfeiffer and C.J. Miller have the news including a look at the 4-H Academy that is getting students "beyond ready" for their next chapters, and the Ag Secretary addresses farm labor issues. HAT Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin details a transition to wetter Indiana weather ahead. Thursday the corn, soybean and wheat markets were mixed after the USDA supply and demand June update. Andy Eubank has settlements and analyst Karl Setzer provides market commentary. It's all part of the #HATPodcast, made possible by First Farmers Bank & Trust - proudly serving local farms, families, and agribusiness for 140 years. Visit them online at FFBT.com to learn more.

In today's show Dustin is joined by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig as they discuss Secretary Naig's decision to seek re-election as Ag Secretary, and Riley gets the latest South America weather and crop update from Greg McBride of Allendale.

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Concerns grow about New World screwworm again. See what the Ag Secretary is doing to try and get Mexico on board with keeping the pest out of the U.S. Plus, what have we learned about avian flu in dairy cattle one year later?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share details from the North Dakota visit by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, along with this week's top farm and ranch news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator John Hoeven organized meetings with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in North Dakota, giving farmers, ranchers, agriculture researchers and agri-businesses the opportunity to give direct feedback and showcase North Dakota's precision ag technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of What's On Your Mind takes you to the heart of North Dakota's innovation and leadership as host Scott Hennen broadcasts live from the Peltier Complex at NDSU. With high-profile guests, from U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to Senator Kevin Cramer and Dr. Derek Tournear (Director of the Space Development Agency), this episode is jam-packed with insight on ag tech, space innovation, national defense, and local leadership. Expect a mix of compelling policy discussions, personal reflections, and a few heartfelt throwbacks as broadcasters gather for a regional Heartland conference.

New United States Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins addressed the Ag Leadership Dinner in Ankeny on Monday night. She highlighted topics like Biofuels, trade, USDA efficiency, and more. These are her full and unedited remarks. 

This week on AgweekTV, a program that gets fresh, healthy food from farms to kids at school faces the loss of federal funding. South Dakota's ag secretary talks about the biggest issues facing the state's biggest industry. we'll hear about the history of sugarbeet farming from some farmers who lived it. And we'll take you to the region's sweetest harvest.

At last, Washington is going to eliminate government waste!Trump & Company's budget-whacking crew even brandished a big ol' chainsaw to show us hoi polloi that they're serious. So goodbye to those ridiculous, multibillion-dollar giveaways to politically connected corporate elites, right?Uh… don't get silly. The chainsawers-in-chief are Elon Musk, Trump and a mess of ultra-rich GOP cabinet appointees, and their fortunes are built on fat checks from the government, so they will NOT be targeting any of their boondoggles. Instead, they're aiming at programs offering modest help to middle-class and poor families.For example, the Agriculture Department regularly mails out billions of dollars in “farm subsidies,” but most real farmers don't get a penny, while about 80 percent of the taxpayers' money goes to the richest 10 percent of agribusiness owners, including city-dwelling billionaires and corporate giants.But rather than touching their giveaways, the Ag Department has just made a political show of zeroing-out a very successful farm-to-market program that enables small producers to sell their fresh goods to local school districts and food banks. This is government at its best—serving as a catalyst to “free up the enterprise” of small businesses by allowing them to bypass monopolistic middlemen and provide top-quality fresh foods to their communities.Big Food, however, hates competition. Thus, Brooke Rollins (a corporate-hugging, far-right-wing lawyer who is Trump's new Ag Secretary) summarily cancelled this enterprising local food initiative, announcing on Fox News that it was “nonessential” waste.This is Jim Hightower saying… So there you have their guiding ethic of these “waste warriors.” Programs helping regular Americans are just waste to be eliminated—but giveaways to the rich are “essential” waste to be protected.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 Rollins BIG Announcement3:48 Trump and China5:19 The Funds7:39 Mexico Corn Imports9:02 Roundup Settlement10:26 Cattle on FeedSecretary Rollins on Long-Term Agricultural Prosperity

Iowa Ag Secretary Naig Talks Key Issues as Farmers Gear Up for Planting Season

Ag Secretary defends Trump policies, tariffs, during Atlanta visit; Sen. Raphael Warnock responds to (some) constituent questions; and "Drag Down Memory Lane" is Emory Alzheimer's effort to reach out to LGBTQ Atlantans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinton Griffiths hosts AgDay: We're coming to you from Commodity Classic in Denver this week! Hear from the Ag Secretary about the next steps the agency is taking for producers. And Clinton talks with farmers about what's on their minds as we head into spring planting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agriculture Secretary says curbing increasing consumer costs on grocery items such as eggs is a primary focus for her administration. Rod Bain and Secretary Brooke Rollins with USDA has that story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clinton Griffiths hosts AgDay: Did winter wheat take a hit during the recent arctic blast? We'll dig into it. Plus, the former Ag Secretary has a new job. And where in Iowa can you get the best pork tenderloin? Meet the man on a mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share some of the past week's top stories in agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Estimates of the 2024 cotton crop are getting bigger.   *The Department of Labor is giving more time to comment on the proposed heat injury and illness prevention rule.  *This has been an interesting year for the beef market.*Prices for winter wheat are very low.  *A tax relief bill for cattle producers who are victims of wildfires is moving forward.  *The Farm Service Agency is streamlining its operations.  *Texan Brooke Rollins is President Trump's pick for the next Secretary of Agriculture.  What does Trump's previous Ag Secretary think of the pick?  *Some dewormers for cattle require drenching.  

On this edition of Hoosier Ag This Week: The Purdue Extension Farm Stress Team is working to not only end the stigma of mental health among farmers—they're also reaching out to high school ag students. Eric Pfeiffer reports how a new curriculum is being rolled out to address mental health issues with students in rural communities. C.J. Miller speaks with former Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue about Brooke Rollins, President Trump's nominee to become his next Ag Secretary. Perdue shares his advice for Rollins as she prepares to lead USDA. And you've heard us talk about folks turning old barns into restaurants, wedding venues, and retail shops—but what about an old grain elevator? That's what several guys in Greenfield did when they bought an historic grain elevator in the downtown area and turned it into a popular restaurant called The Depot. You'll hear from Thomas Moore, one of the co-owners of The Depot, as he shares the story of how an historic piece of Indiana's farm history has been saved, repurposed and restored as a dining destination attracting visitors from all around the world! All that—plus Brian Basting with Advance Trading reviews Friday's grain markets. It's all part of the Hoosier Ag This Week Podcast!

On this edition of Hoosier Ag This Week: President Trump has picked Brooke Rollins to be his next Ag Secretary. You'll hear what she brings to the table to lead USDA. We'll also shine the spotlight on the Indiana State Poultry Association and Indiana's poultry producers who were honored earlier this week at the Statehouse for their generosity to Hoosiers in need. You'll also hear the heartwarming story of Pence Revington, a woodland owner in White County who uses her 65 acres of woods to honor her late father's legacy. All that—plus Mike Silver with Kokomo Grain reviews the grain markets from the short trading day on Black Friday. It's all part of the Hoosier Ag This Week Podcast!

Clinton Griffiths hosts AgDay: President-Elect Trump appears to have nominated an Ag Secretary.  We'll have a look at their background. Plus, there's been a lot of talk about tariffs and trade in the next administration. We have a reality check about the impacts on exports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secretary Russell Redding made an official Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture trip to Montana this week to meet with founders of IND HEMP, one of the largest hemp fiber and seed processors in the U.S. On this week's podcast, Lancaster Farming catches up with Redding as he visits the hemp facility in Fort Benton, Montana. The show features a joint interview with Redding and IND HEMP founder Ken Elliott from the IND HEMP office. Redding said he originally planned to attend the Montana Hemp Summit, hosted by IND HEMP, in Great Falls later this month, but had a commitment in Pennsylvania he could not cancel. Wanting to see the oil seed and fiber processing facilities with his own two eyes to better understand what is needed back home in Pennsylvania, he scheduled a last-minute trip to Big Sky Country. The fact-finding trip is part of a larger commitment from his department to develop a robust hemp industry in Pennsylvania, where, so far, the industry has struggled to find capital to build out the processing infrastructure. Redding spent the day with IND HEMP founders Morgan Tweet and Ken and Julie Elliott who answered his questions and gave him a tour of both the oil-seed facility and the fiber-processing facility, housed in separate facilities on IND HEMP's campus in Fort Benton, a town along the Missouri River in north-central Montana with a population of around 1,400. IND HEMP has created just over 50 jobs since setting up the facility in 2019. Redding is returning home with a new perspective. “I think in Pennsylvania, having something that would look like what is happening here in Montana is exactly what everybody in the steering committee and the hemp engine is trying to do, but it's not the final answer,” Redding said. “What I've learned today is that there's a quest to just keep building out the marketplace,” he said. “And the economics of that marketplace then determine sort of what those income streams look like for both the company and the farms,” he said. Elliott is optimistic about the Keystone State's potential in the burgeoning hemp industry, partially because of Pennsylvania's reputation for hemp in colonial times. He was keynote speaker at the Pennsylvania Hemp Summit in Harrisburg November 2022 and has since gotten to know key players in Pennsylvania's hemp industry. “We can help you guys take that next step,” he said. “We would love to be part of whatever the solution is for Pennsylvania's the hemp industry.” Do Pennsylvania farmers even have an appetite for hemp, after the boom and bust of the CBD market along with recent controversies surrounding so-called hemp-derived intoxicants like Delta 8? Redding thinks Pennsylvania have an appetite for something big and boring that can be another revenue stream for producers. “The margins, whether you're in Montana or Pennsylvania, are thin,” Redding said. “So to whatever extent we can add diversity to it — you can help de-risk the operation by adding an enterprise — that's universal.” Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Hemp Program IND HEMP Thanks to our sponsors! Mpactful Ventures Forever Green