Rural Matters Partnership Spotlight: National Grain and Feed Association

We are focused on advocating for our farmers and the future of their businesses. This includes engaging directly with lawmakers and collaborating with various industry organizations and associations to enhance our collective impact. Recently, I had the honor of representing Landus at the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Washington D.C. fly-in.

Since 1896, NGFA has represented and provided services for grain, feed, and related commercial businesses, comprised of nearly 1,000 companies and 7,500 different facilities. Their mission is advocating for a global open market environment to efficiently produce and provide a safe, abundant, affordable, sustainable, and wholesome supply of grain, oilseeds, feed, and related products responsive to market demand.

As a member of NGFA, Landus farmers have a stronger voice in critical issues each and every day in Washington D.C. Below is a recap of the policy priorities finalized by the NGFA members for 2024, and the issues that we discussed with congressional offices and staffers during the recent fly-in:

1. Support Bipartisan Farm Bill- NGFA’s farm bill priorities are focused on agricultural economic growth. The certainty that a farm bill provides to our industry’s farmer-customers, including preserving a strong federal crop insurance program, remains extremely important. Conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) help producers enhance natural resources and improve their business operations. Prioritizing these working land conservation programs promotes sustainability and keeps U.S. agriculture competitive.
2. Support Efficient Rail Systems- Congress can foster competition and reduce interruptions in the freight rail system by passing:
   • The Reliable Rail Service Act would provide regulators with clear oversight rules to help address freight railroad supply chain challenges and enhance rail service for agricultural shippers.
   • Keeping International Land Ports of Entry Open Act would prevent shutdowns of rail crossings between the U.S. and Mexico. The bill requires that Department of Homeland Security staff to remain at rail crossings into Mexico unless other measures are in place to keep the flow of goods intact.
3. Support Waterways Infrastructure Funding- Timely passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is needed to implement waterways infrastructure projects throughout the U.S.
4. Support Innovative FEED Act- The bipartisan bill establishes a new category of non-nutritive animal food additives that provide production health and environmental benefits.

Photos of our fly-in and more details from NGFA's fly-ins can be found here.

At Landus we are committed to working on the topics and issues most important to YOU, our farmers, our customers, our employees, and our communities where we call home. Help us carry your voice and your priorities forward by taking a few minutes to let us know your thoughts in our survey, or send me an email anytime at Elizabeth.Thompson@landus.ag.