Duvall talks trade but will emphasize ag labor to Trump

AFBF president Zippy Duvall emphasized trade and encouraged members to send trade tweets, but says immigration is at the top of his messages to carry to Trump.

AFBF president Zippy Duvall, a Georgia farmer, welcomed the membership during its opening session on Sunday, telling them that with the new administration, “Things have changed a lot in Washington, D.C. The door to this administration opened up for farmers and ranchers on day one.” “I can tell you that it has been a breath of fresh air to be able to advocate for getting things done, instead of having to constantly defend agriculture against a steady stream of challenges from our own government,” he said. Duvall pointed to progress in “ditching” the Waters of the U.S. rule, and the reduction in size of two land monuments in Utah that were enlarged during the previous administration and reduced access to grazing land and water resources. He also spoke confidently of the new tax code reforms. “We didn’t get the elimination of the estate tax but we got the exemption doubled. That will take out 99% of farmers that might face that situation,” he said, adding it’s a temporary fix that AFBF would like to see become permanent. “We picture this new tax code as really encouraging to help us pass our farms on and keep people on the land.” When pressed on what he might tell President Trump should he have the chance, Duvall had a running list. Most notably, trade was not at the top. “After thank yous, I’m going to roll immediately to the biggest problem that faces American agriculture and that’s immigration. Farmers are worrying about whether they’ll have enough people to get the job done. That’s the biggest limiting factor on the farm, and it’s the biggest limiting factor on bringing the next generation back,” Duvall said...more