Dear John,

This week, I attended one of my favorite events of the year: Minnesota Farmfest! If you’ve never heard of Farmfest, it's a 50-acre ag community event in Redwood County that brings farmers, leaders and stakeholders from the food and agriculture industry together. This year, I participated in the Farmfest Forum – a panel of Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation – to discuss the biggest issues facing Minnesota’s farmers and rural communities. And yes, I was the only Dem on the panel.  

I’ve made it clear that I’m very concerned with President Trump’s tariff strategy as well as how the administration is handling our ag economy – especially through the Republican budget he signed last month. Cutting nearly $200 billion from the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nationwide takes food away from Minnesota families, veterans, seniors and reduces income for farmers who grow our food.  

In addition, I’ve expressed concern about the Republican budget, which left plenty of farm country behind – leaving Minnesota's family farmers to fend for themselves during a time when higher input costs and tariffs are already making it too expensive to run their business. 

I also spoke about the need to strengthen the farm safety net. With the frequency and intensity of natural disasters like fires, floods and droughts increasing, it’s essential that farmers have the tools they need to keep farming and feeding our communities.  

Overall, the Farmfest Forum was a productive conversation – but it doesn’t end there. As the granddaughter of a farm foreman who lost his job during the 1980s farm crisis, I know how important it is that our family farmers are not only able to survive – but can pass their farms down to their kids and grandkids. I will work with anyone to ensure Minnesota’s farm families are set up for success. When our ag economy is strong, our state is strong – and that’s why I’ll always fight for Minnesota family farmers. 
  
Here are some snapshots of who I met with at Farmfest: 

Corn Growers Association 

In MN-02 – where corn is always knee-high by the Fourth of July – we know that our corn growers are the backbone of our ag economy. 

It was great to meet with the Minnesota Corn Growers Association to discuss how we can continue to support Minnesota's family corn growers!   
 

Minnesota Farm Bureau  

It’s always a treat to see the Minnesota Farm Bureau!  

Making sure Minnesota’s family farmers have the resources they need to feed and fuel our state will always be my priority – today and every day. 

Turkey Growers Association 

From Thanksgiving dinner to school lunches – turkey is an American staple.  

It was great to meet with the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association at Farmfest – with Sen. Amy Klobuchar – to discuss how we can continue to help our turkey growers succeed.   

Minnesota Farmers Union  

I also met with the Minnesota Farmers Union!  

Partners like the Minnesota Farmers Union work tirelessly to ensure Minnesota family farmers have the rights and resources they need to keep feeding the world.    

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association  

I met with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association! Minnesota's soybean growers are the best of the best – they feed our families and livestock, fuel our state and make Minnesota’s economy resilient.    

Behind the Scenes: 

This week, I also attended Vikings Training Camp in Eagan – and folks, it’s going to be one heck of a season. It was great to watch practice, meet with other community leaders and see JJ McCarthy back on the field after his heartbreaking injury last season. They may not be the Lynx.... but I’m ready to root on the Vikings this fall!  

Until next time,
 

Angie Craig

Member of Congress