On Wednesday, President Donald Trump talked ag in Iowa– promising to protect corn-based ethanol and biofuels, to make sure American farmers have the infrastructure in place to grow against world competition, and to enhance broadband access across rural America with a $1 trillion proposal.
Trump’s speech to 250 at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa was also a send off to former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who departs Friday to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China.
“Great guy. Ambassador Branstad will be serving in Beijing, but he’s going to be fighting for American farmers and for American workers and for Americans,” President Trump said. “And there’s nobody I can think of that can do a better job or a more effective job.”
Trump’s visit to Kirkwood was also part of the White House’s Technology Week. College staff and students showcased how today’s farmers can adjust application rates of fertilizers in their fields with just the touch of a smartphone. They also showed the President how they can use precision agriculture to produce crops more efficiently and for far less cost. Finally, they demonstrated how drones are used to gather data on crops, and how simulators are used to train students in the next generation of farming equipment.
“That’s why it’s so important to support schools like Kirkwood, which are helping to train young people in cutting-edge new technologies that will make American agriculture greater and more productive than ever before,” President Trump said.
The President also promised to crack down on foreign trading abuses, get rid of the death tax, and “eliminate the intrusive rules that undermine your ability to earn a living.”
“American farmers and ranchers are the best — absolute best at what they do. And they can compete anywhere if they are given a level playing field,” President Trump said. “They’re not given that level playing field because of our terrible, terrible trade deals. And we’re going to start doing much better. You produce the product, but you have to work too hard and too long to make a living.”
