On March 8, Badger NAMA members gathered in Middleton, Wisconsin to hear from leading industry experts on how various trade and international policy issues affect Wisconsin farmers and agribusinesses. Moderated by Gary Sipiorski, Vita Plus, the panel included Aaron Stauffacher, Dairy Business Association, Jack Heinemann, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Tammy Vaassen, Wisconsin Pork Association, and Nicole Wagner, Wisconsin Corn Program.

Heinemann said Wisconsin exported $3.5 billion in agricultural exports and cited a recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce report that projected Wisconsin to be the state second-most negatively impacted by a NAFTA withdrawal. While dairy, corn and pork have their specific concerns, the other three panelists agreed that exports are essential to their respective industries’ success.

The U.S. relationship with Mexico is of particular concern. Not only is Mexico a major market for U.S. products, but unsteady relations impact the Hispanic workforce that greatly contributes to Wisconsin dairy and hog farms. If a silver lining is to be found, the panelists said it’s that the global marketplace still demands U.S. agricultural products because of the safety and quality of our food supply.