Letter to the Editor - Jack Brainard

Jack Brainard speaking at the 2017 ASGA annual meeting. SugarPub file photo.

Editor: 

The latest news on global farm trade comes as little surprise to those of us who either farm or depend on farming for our own businesses. The reality is that farmers have been struggling, between tight overseas markets and bad weather. This is especially true for young farmers in our area who are hit the hardest when cash flows tighten because we have little equity to fall back on during lean times. In tough times like those we faced this year it is hard to get political leaders in D.C. to understand.  

That all being said I know there is, and always has been one person on our side in Washington, D.C., who will fight for us here in rural Minnesota: Congressman Collin Peterson. I’m a Republican, and Trump voter, who is relieved that Peterson is running for reelection, and could keep his position as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. 

Many of our neighbors who don’t farm may think the farm economy doesn’t matter as much. But make no mistake. Every home and business in Western Minnesota has some tie to agriculture, whether directly as a farm family or farm operation, as a business that sells to farmers, or a business that relies on the money that agriculture brings to our communities. 

Collin is our friend in Washington. And he is a powerful friend, on top of the House Agriculture Committee. As Chairman, Peterson shapes legislation that creates jobs in energy, transportation and shipping, supports our rural hospitals and builds out the infrastructure we need out here, whether that’s broadband networks or community centers. 

We face uncertainties on the farm. Those economic uncertainties are extending through our economic system, touching homes and businesses that may not believe they are connected to agriculture, but are. The one thing we can be certain of is that Congressman Peterson is on our side, and he is devoted to Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District. That powerful stewardship of our interests in Congress cannot be replaced again, if we replace Collin. Let’s all get behind him and help him win. 

Sincerely,
Jack Brainard 
24 year old, 2nd Generation Farmer
Ada, MN