From Washington, DC; Monday, February 27
By Randy Barth, Dale Pitstick, & Anna Ziegler
Day 2 in DC: Illinois Ag Leadership Class of 2018 covered quite a bit of ground – literally and figuratively – as we navigated the streets of our nation’s capital with visits to the offices of USDA, EPA and RFA plus attended Crop Life America’s winter meeting. We discussed a variety of topics ranging from transportation to trade and ethanol to water quality.
Key Themes or ideas we picked up during the day:
- The Room Where it Happens – Hubert Hamer, Administrator with the National Agricultural Statistics Service, discussed the lock-up process used to keep USDA crop reports secure until their official release. He also stressed the importance of accurate and complete NASS surveys as data drives USDA programs including risk management tools like ARC and PLC.
Hubert Hamer, NASS Administrator
- Evolution of Ethanol – We had the opportunity to take a look at ethanol from a variety of angles throughout the day. Dr. Harry Baumes at USDA covered biofuels programs and efforts to build the bioeconomy. At the Renewable Fuels Association, we heard from President & CEO Bob Dinneen about key policy efforts to move the ethanol industry forward. We took a deeper dive into the Renewable Fuel Standard with Paul Argyropoulos, Office of Transportation and Air Quality at EPA. In the evening, the featured speaker at Crop Life America’s dinner was Emily Skor with Growth Energy who challenged us to know our consumers and communicate in their terms about what matters to them.
To hear more from Emily Skor, check out this “Supper with Sean” interview with class member, Sean Arians: https://www.periscope.tv/w/a4Q92zFWR2p2eFZuYWxRT2t8MWpNSmdZblBxTk1LTDsgiUvq9Dc3Lq4-JGZOhLCdsjPasljQ1voKIF7HLcFd
- Transitioning on Trade – As a result of anti-trade rhetoric and pull back from multilateral trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership, we heard a shift to focusing on maintaining existing market access and pursuing bilateral agreements. We also learned about the Foreign Agriculture Service and its role in negotiating trade agreements with Bryce Quick, Associate Administrator and COO.
- Working on Water – We looked at water from two different perspectives – first as a mode of transportation and second as an area for improved stewardship through nutrient management. Bryce Quick with the Agricultural Marketing Service shared data about movement of agricultural products on all modes of transportation and emphasized the importance of investment in the inland waterways. At EPA, we heard about the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force and 319 grant programs with Katie Flahive from the Office of Water.
- Step Up & Step Out – At lunch, we had the privilege to hear from Michael Alston (IALP ’08), Associate Administrator, Risk Management Agency at USDA. Mr. Alston issued a leadership challenge to step up and step out of your comfort zone when opportunities arise. If you are not satisfied with the status quo and you do not take an opportunity to influence the outcome, then you have no right to complain. Agriculture needs leaders who are willing to step up and step out.
We look forward to more action and information packed days in DC!
Michael Alston leaves the Class of 2018 with a leadership challenge during lunch at the USDA.
Jacki Langlois, Katie Mansouri, Aubrey Bastian, and Carolyn Gehrke pause for a quick photo on the National Mall.
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