Farm Bill

Senate Overwhelmingly Confirms Brooke Rollins as 33rd Secretary of Agriculture

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:17:34 GMT

Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s nominee for Agriculture Secretary , was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate on Thursday. The vote was 72-28. Her confirmation was expected, as the Senate maintains its quick pace of confirming President Donald Trump’s key Cabinet positions.

“America’s farmers, ranchers and foresters need a leader at USDA who will be an advocate for their livelihoods and rural America and be a strong voice to address the pressing needs of our agriculture community. Brooke Rollins is that person,” Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, said on the Senate floor prior to the vote.

Congratulations @USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. We look forward to working together to serve rural America. pic.twitter.com/CIljFpYQZX
— Senate Ag Committee Republicans (@SenateAgGOP) February 13, 2025

“I congratulate Secretary Rollins on her confirmation,” said House Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) in a statement following the vote. “Secretary Rollins begins her new role at a critical time for American agriculture. Family farmers are struggling with high input costs and low prices; tariffs are being proposed that will raise costs on American producers and American consumers; the agricultural workforce is being threatened; and Congress is behind schedule in passing a new, bipartisan farm bill. If we want to tackle these challenges in a way that supports family farmers and the communities they feed, we will need to work together. I look forward to building a strong working relationship with Secretary Rollins as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.”

Today, @SecRollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Here’s a snapshot of her first day at USDA! pic.twitter.com/GFpIYdnovF
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) February 14, 2025

Rollins’ close ties to President Trump are viewed as a positive for U.S. agriculture as some say, “she has President Trump’s ear.”

When President Trump made the nomination announcement in November, he said her “commitment to support the American farmer, the defense of American food self-sufficiency and the restoration of agriculture-dependent American small towns is second to none.”

Important Issues in Immediate Focus

Rollins has some important issues to focus on immediately, including:

Reviewing the various USDA grants and other funding that remain frozen;
Getting ag disaster ($21 billion) and economic aid ($10 billion) payments made to eligible producers;
Working with NEC Director Kevin Hassett and others on the bird flu situation;
Monitoring the impact of Trump tariffs on the U.S. ag sector and any need for a farmer aid program
Advising key congressional members on a new farm bill;
Working with Treasury/IRS, EPA and Energy Dept. personnel on finalizing information regarding the 45Z program;
Informing President Trump and others about the impact on farm country from mass deportations relative to border security action;
Checking on and working with other agencies and departments regarding food aid;
Working with her new staff and other key USDA personnel as they officially come into USDA;
Getting ready for fiscal year 2026 budget matters for USDA;
Working with EPA and the Dept. of Energy on the 2026 RFS RVOs;
Dealing with a smaller USDA workforce via buyouts and other actions to reduce the number of government workers;
Addressing issues raised by the GAO relative to operation of the SNAP/food stamps program and other operational aspects of the program should they see any major alternations under budget reconciliation.

Rollins Gets Straight to Work

Rollins already held a meeting at 4 p.m. CT Thursday at USDA on bird flu, gathering who she said were “some of the most brilliant professionals I’ve encountered. Their insights were invaluable.” Rollins will be very visible in the days ahead, she said on X that she will be in four states, give six speeches, attend the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville and “so much more.”

Today, I had the immense honor of being sworn in as the next Secretary of Agriculture by one of my heroes — and a true American judicial titan — Justice Clarence Thomas.

Being surrounded by my precious family as I took the oath of office is a moment I will forever cherish. pic.twitter.com/CrprXOuW7Z
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) February 14, 2025

A Look Back at Rollins’ Confirmation Hearing

During Rollins’ confirmation hearing in the Senate Ag Committee last month , she outlined several key priorities for USDA if confirmed:

Rapid deployment of disaster and economic assistance authorized by Congress.
Addressing current animal disease outbreaks.
Modernizing and realigning USDA.
Ensuring long-term prosperity for rural communities.

Rollins also clarified her stance on ethanol and RFS, distancing herself from past positions of the Texas Public Policy Foundation:

She stated the Foundation’s position on ethanol/RFS was written a decade ago and was one of 900 to 1,000 papers produced annually.
Rollins emphasized she did not author those papers.
While admitting to being a defender of fossil fuels, she insisted she would be “a secretary for all of agriculture” and a “champion for all fuels.”

Tariff Impact Aid for Farmers

During questioning, Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) asked Rollins about her approach to working with President Trump’s trade agenda. Rollins responded she would prioritize working with the White House to address any challenges farmers and ranchers might face under potential tariff implementations.

Rollins committed to supporting farmers in the case of tariff-related harm:

She pledged to undertake efforts such as the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) via payments from the first Trump administration. MFP was part of a broader effort by USDA to assist farmers impacted by retaliatory tariffs and trade disruptions.
Rollins has consulted with former USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue about the implementation of such programs.

Rollins previously servied as the president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a think tank established by former Trump officials to promote conservative policies.

AFPI has advocated for curbing foreign ownership — particularly from China — of U.S. farmland, an issue with bipartisan support in Congress. She served as the president and CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) from 2003 to 2018, where she significantly expanded the organization and positioned it as a leading state-based think tank.

Economists Says Rollins is a Positive for U.S. Agriculture

How Farmers Size Up RFK Jr.

(Farm Journal )

80% of economists in the January Ag Economists’ Monthly say Rollins is a positive pick for U.S. agriculture .

“Rollins knows ag and has Trump’s ear,” said one economist.

“Her close connection the President and reasons outlined in the letter sent by 427 ag organizations and businesses on January 15th,” said another economist.

20% of economists say Rollins wouldn’t be positive for U.S. agriculture.

One economist said, “USDA focused heavily on under-served producers during the Vilsack era and my sense is that producers wanted the Secretary to come from a production ag view; whereas Rollins come at it more from an overall domestic policy view. Also, feel the administration isn’t helping her out with the Deputy Secretary nomination. Producers don’t see themselves in the upcoming USDA leadership.”

Ag Groups React to Rollins’ Confirmation

“Congratulations to Secretary Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA. America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California Proposition 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations,” said National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
“On behalf of America’s farmer cooperatives, I would like to congratulate Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture today. In this role, Secretary Rollins will lead an agency that impacts the operations of every farm and ranch in the country and touches every local community across rural America. She will also serve as the voice of producers within the Trump administration at a critical moment. NCFC looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins on a range of issues within USDA that impact farmer co-ops and their members,” said National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC).
“Congratulations to Secretary Brooke Rollins on her bi-partisan confirmation to become U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Clearly, President Trump has selected a highly capable and accomplished individual to lead USDA. Secretary Rollins’ commitment to returning USDA to its core mission of supporting all of agriculture is exactly the focus our country needs right now. I am confident that she will be an effective advocate for farmers, ensuring that President Trump’s policies reflect their needs and support the vitality of our rural communities,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.
“The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) congratulates the Honorable Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA as the 33rd U.S. agriculture secretary. Rollin’s policy crafting experience and passion for opportunities for agriculture will contribute tangible impacts for American farmers and ranchers and people around the globe who enjoy U.S. food products.
NASDA is enthusiastic to work with the secretary on our priorities including increasing economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food producers, advancing a new farm bill, improving Americans’ access to nutrient-dense foods and ensuring American agriculture can continue to provide the most secure, affordable and nutritious food supply in the world,” NASDA said in a statement.
“Secretary Rollins understands the pain points the agriculture industry faces and has a plan to address these right away,” Hawkins said. “She understands the importance of a strong safety net and is prepared to work with Congress to implement a modernized Farm Bill. She will work with farmers to eliminate burdensome and costly regulations that hamper innovation, will spearhead animal disease prevention and mitigation, and will identify new export channels across the globe to support markets. Raised in rural Texas, Secretary Rollins knows the importance of strengthening our rural communities and making them a great place to live, work, and raise our families. We are thrilled with her bipartisan confirmation and welcome the opportunity to work with her to advance the agriculture industry,” said Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins.
Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), expressed confidence in Rollins’ capabilities.
“IDFA congratulates Ms. Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. We’re confident she will be a strong voice for the U.S. food and agriculture industry across the federal government. As USDA navigates a dynamic trade environment, we need Secretary Rollins’ leadership to expand U.S. dairy exports, support a coordinated response to animal disease outbreaks, and preserve dairy’s critical place in federal nutrition programs, including SNAP milk and dairy nutrition incentives, WIC and school meals. IDFA looks forward to working with Secretary Rollins at USDA to strengthen Americans’ dietary health, support farmers and the entire dairy supply chain in the production of wholesome food, and build a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, growth and food safety. These efforts will enable our industry to continue leading the world in the production of high-quality, nutritious dairy foods,” Dykes stated.

Congratulations, @BrookeLRollins on your confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture @USDA . We look forward to working with you to be a strong voice for the U.S. food and agriculture industry, expand U.S. dairy exports, support a coordinated response to animal… pic.twitter.com/1pqhNrzDnc
— IDFA (@dairyidfa) February 13, 2025

Rollins and will now finish assembling her team at USDA. Here are the key appointments already made by President Trump:

Stephen Vaden: Nominated for Deputy USDA Secretary

Undersecretary Nominees

Richard Fordyce: Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Dudley Hoskins: Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Luke Lindberg: Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
Michael Boren: Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Scott Hutchins: Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics

Senior Staff Appointments:

Kailee Tkacz Buller: Chief of Staff at USDA
Preston Parry: Deputy Chief of Staff
Jennifer Tiller: Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Dominic Restuccia: White House Liaison for USDA
Ralph Linden: Principal Deputy General Counsel
Audra Weeks: Deputy Director of Communications

Natural Resources and Environment Appointments

Kristin Sleeper: Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment
Tom Schultz: Chief of Staff for Natural Resources and Environment

Other Notable Appointments

Brooke Appleton: Deputy Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation
Tyler Clarkson: USDA General Counsel

Congress Approves CR, Includes $31 Billion in Farmer, Disaster Aid and Farm Bill Extension

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:49:35 GMT

With little if any drama like the House, the Senate easily cleared the 118-page continuing resolution (CR) early Saturday morning with a vote of 85-11 (four members did not vote). The measure funds the government through March 14. The CR includes nearly $110 billion in disaster and farmer aid ($21 billion ag disaster and $10 billion in farmer aid), and a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Senate vote came hours after the House passed the measure on a 366-34 vote, well above the two-thirds majority threshold required under that chamber’s suspension of the rules procedure, with no Democrats voting no along with 34 Republicans. Texas Dem Rep. Jasmine Crockett voted “present”.

Debt Ceiling

GOP leaders dropped a two-year suspension of the statutory debt ceiling that was in a previous CR version and that helped push the bill through both chambers. Democrats opposed inclusion of the debt limit provision, arguing it would make it easier on Republicans next year to cut taxes and ram through other partisan priorities. Cutting the debt limit language was enough to convince Democrats to go along with the stripped-down bill, even though it excluded their priorities contained in an i nitial 1,547-page bipartisan measure .

One ag sector lobbyist said, “Ag groups need to start playing the game… those who always vote no on everything… why not actively oppose them… they don’t support farm bills anyhow.”

Breaking Down the Votes

Here is the list of House Republicans who voted no on the CR that contained $31 billion in ag sector assistance:

House no votes on CR

(House of Representatives)

Some notable representatives who voted against the CR include Nancy Mace (South Carolina), Thomas Massie (Kentucky), and Chip Roy (Texas). The reasons for voting against the CR varied among representatives, with some citing concerns about high levels of spending, lack of reforms, or opposition to giving the current administration additional funding.

Here is the list of Senate Democrats who voted no:

Senate no votes on CR

(U.S. Senate)

Farmer Aid in the CR

This is a breakdown of the $31 billion in farmer assistance via the CR:

Farmer aid breakdown

(House Ag Committee)

Possible Payment Amounts to Farmers

The farmer aid should be available 90 days after the legislation’s enactment. Farm CPA Paul Neiffer estimated per acre payment amounts via the Economic Loss Assistance program based on his knowledge of the provisions.

Possible payments as calculated by Farm CPA Paul Neiffer

(Lindsey Pound )

While USDA will make the final calculations, based on Neiffer’s estimates, producer payments look like this per acre, using the following calculation: (USDA’s Projected Cost of the Crop – National Projected Returns) x Eligible Acres x 26% = Total Payment.

Corn: $43.80
Soybeans: $30.61
Wheat: $31.80
Cotton: $84.70
Rice: $69.66

Neiffer says there is a payment limit of $125,000 dollars, which is down from the $175,00 originally proposed in the FARM Act. He says it’s also key to note with the updated relief, if 75% of your total gross income comes from farming, which includes wages and interest and dividends, then you qualify for the double payment.

Related Story: Poll Results: 71% of Farmers Say Congress Should Approve Economic Aid Before Year-End

House Ag Committee Fact Sheet Details Payments

The House Ag Committee released a fact sheet on the farmer economic assistance that is provided in the current Continuing Resolution (CR), modeled off of Rep. Trent Kelly’s (R-Miss.) FARM Act (HR 10045). There is a list of eligible commodities, a payment formula, administrative provisions, and estimated payment rates.

House Ag panel staffers say please keep in mind that the payment rates in this document are estimates and “almost certain to change slightly once implemented. These rates are the best approximation based on the data cited in text. This does incorporate the minimum payment rate provision. You’ll see that those crops receiving payments via the minimum payment provision have an asterisk.”

The House Ag panel had the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M analyze the impact of the economic assistance provided through this provision. Their findings suggest that the funds will improve ending cash position on their Representative Farm system by nearly 20% by the end of 2025.

Farmer aid

(House Ag Committee)

Your Next Reads:

Poll Results: 71% of Farmers Say Congress Should Approve Economic Aid Before Year-End

Ag Gets Potential Christmas Gift from Congress: Continuing Resolution Includes $31 Billion in Aid for Producers

Op-Ed: How Fringe Animal Groups Threaten Food Production

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 20:02:40 GMT

By Jack Hubbard, executive director for the newly formed Center for the Environment & Welfare*.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food inflation remains stubbornly high with prices rising by 7.7% in April compared to the year before. While most Americans are anxiously hoping costs will moderate, fringe animal extremist groups are actively working to keep prices rising.

Exhibit A is a Supreme Court decision that was handed down in May. The high court’s majority upheld a California law that forbids the sale of conventionally raised and veterinarian approved pork and egg-laying hens in the state. Well-paid animal non-profit executives who are working towards upending American dinner tables predictably applauded the news.

While California raises little pork within its borders, state residents consume an estimated 13% of the country’s supply -- meaning the decision will have wide-ranging consequences for farmers nationwide. For California families, the decision will mean higher prices at the grocery store. And to everyone else, it is a cautionary tale. Misguided policies that start in California rarely remain there.

Case in point is the 2023 farm bill. As lawmakers debate components of the legislative package that will influence how farms operate, animal activists are pushing for Congress to tack on provisions that target farmers. Efforts to halt the construction of large farms, phase out existing ones, and put in place even more government red tape that could strangle food producers are prime examples.

As someone who served as the chief operating officer at the country’s first national humane organization, I am no enemy to animals. But this anti-farmer movement is not pro-animal. It is extremism that promotes regressive policies that will chip away at America’s historically stable -- and affordable -- food supply.

Decades of innovation in farming, engineering, transportation, and animal science has made the U.S. home to some of the most affordable food in the world.

In fact, the share of disposable income Americans spend on food dropped from 17% in 1960 to roughly 10% in 2000 -- where it has remained relatively steady ever since. Compare that to people living in other countries that spend as much as 40% of take home pay to feed their families.

Food production is America’s golden goose, and animal activists are threatening to slaughter it. And efforts in Sacramento and Washington are only one part of the equation. An offensive is brewing in the boardrooms of corporate America.

Animal activists are targeting food industry companies, including McDonald’s, Hormel, and Kroger, with shareholder activism. It is similar to the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions playbook, where institutions are squeezed until compliant with activist demands. In this case, the goal is to pressure corporations into adopting policies that prohibit them from buying most eggs, pork, or chicken produced in the country.

The backdoor corporate approach to implementing a de facto prohibition on traditional farming is primed to explode over the next year. The Open Philanthropy Project, an activist grant maker financed by a Facebook co-founder, has directed more than $50 million to animal activism since 2021 to fund a wave of corporate campaigns against food providers.

Consumers will ultimately pay the price. Many European countries have already adopted the food production policies of the animal rights movement. One study found that an average trip to the grocery store to buy staples like milk, eggs, chicken, and cheese costs Americans $28, compared to $35 for the same cartload in Norway and $48 in Switzerland.

When food costs balloon, the most vulnerable -- including low-income families, minority groups, and young people -- get kicked the hardest. It is akin to subjecting the economically disadvantaged to an additional tax. Does anyone think that is a good idea?

Despite rhetoric from animal rights activists -- whether they are playing judicial advocate, lobbying on Capitol Hill, or organizing corporate shareholders -- their goal is far from achieving the humane treatment of animals. The movement seeks to impose extreme beliefs on the American diet by inflating the price of food until the products they deem harmful are out of reach.

There is a brawl at the dinner table. Americans need to put up a fight.

*ABOUT CEW:

The newly launched Center for the Environment and Welfare (CEW) aims to help consumers, companies, and stakeholders navigate complex sustainability and animal welfare issues.

Areas of focus include animal agriculture, corporate food production, supply chains, and the credibility of thought leaders in the space.

CEW also examines the animal activists spearheading radical and irresponsible ESG proposals and legislation, including national charities like the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States.

Learn more about the organization at www.environmentandwelfare.com.

Kevin McCarthy Finally Won the House Speaker Gavel, Now What?

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 20:43:57 GMT

After four days and 15 rounds of voting , Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) wait to become Speaker of the House of Representatives ended.

A caucus of 20 hardline Republicans had initially blocked his path, but several key concessions, including allowing a single lawmaker to force a vote on ousting the speaker, was the key to unlocking the GOP chaos. The final tally on the 15th roll-call vote was 216 for McCarthy, 212 for Democrat Hakeem Jeffries and six present.

Two past GOP speakers, John Boehner and Paul Ryan, left office amid divisions in their conference.

New Agenda

McCarthy, a 57-year-old native of Bakersfield, Calif., said that the new GOP House will be a crucial “check” on the Biden administration, and he vowed to stop wasteful spending, the rise in the national debt, and the rise in prices at the pump and grocery store.

“I hope one thing is clear after this week: I never give up,” McCarthy said during his first speech as House speaker

During his first year as Speaker, McCarthy will need to raise the debt limit and fund the government — both major fights ahead. Lawmakers got a commitment to voting on specific bills and the promise to tie spending cuts to a debt-ceiling increase.

McCarthy said the very first bill Congress will take up will be to “repeal the funding for 87,000 new IRS agents” and that one of the first hearings will be on the “crisis” on the southern border. He also announced the reopening of the Capitol complex to the public. It had been closed since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Concessions

McCarthy agreed to appoint more members of the far-right House Freedom Caucus to the powerful House Rules Committee, that sets the terms for floor debate and amendments, and the Appropriations Committee. They won two seats on the Rules Committee that could narrow McCarthy’s maneuvering room as he tries to put together majorities for legislation. More symbolically, he also allowed a rules change that will enable just one member to be able to call for a vote to oust the Speaker.

Other accommodations McCarthy reportedly made to sway Freedom Caucus members included mandating 72 hours between the posting of bills and votes on them, and trying for a constitutional amendment that would impose term limits on members of the House and Senate.

They also won a pledge that the top-line budget figure for domestic discretionary spending in fiscal 2024 won’t exceed what it was in fiscal 2022. That includes defense spending, which would have to fall by $75 billion if the cuts are split with nondefense accounts.

He also agreed to open government spending bills to a freewheeling debate in which any lawmaker could force votes on proposed changes. Also: separate votes on the 12 appropriations bills approved each year and a Judiciary Committee investigation into government collaboration with tech companies.

The rules resolution would:

• Eliminate proxy voting and remote committee proceedings spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic

• Rename some House committees

• Adopt budget procedures aimed at restricting mandatory spending increases

• Repeal collective bargaining rules adopted last year

“I ran out of things to ask for,” said Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, a GOP holdout against Kevin McCarthy’s bid for speaker

McCarthy tried to downplay the idea that the protracted conflict was a bad omen for a highly dysfunctional House in the coming years.

“This is the great part,” McCarthy told reporters Friday night. “Because it took this long, now we learned how to govern. So now we’ll be able to get the job done.”

The concessions McCarthy agreed to will make it more difficult to pass legislation, particularly when it comes time to fund the government later this year. The Rules panel is usually staffed by loyalists to the speaker, so the head of the party retains control of the schedule.

Six of the panel’s 13 seats are expected to be saved for lawmakers close to McCarthy, led by incoming Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.). If the panel’s four Democrats opposed a bill, three Republicans from the Freedom Caucus could potentially join them and block the measure from coming to the floor.

Next up in the House is to approve a rules package, a key component to the deal struck between McCarthy and the faction of Republicans against his speakership.

More on policy:

Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Will Not Run for Office in 2024
Policy and Payments: What Producers Can Expect in 2023

K-State Mourns Loss of Esteemed Agricultural Economics Professor

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:37:10 GMT

Barry Flinchbaugh, whose remarkable career in agricultural policy at Kansas State University spanned nearly a half-century, died Nov. 2 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was 78 years old.

The charismatic Flinchbaugh was well known as one of the United States’ leading experts on agricultural policy and agricultural economics. For more than four decades, he was a top adviser to politicians of both major political parties, including secretaries of agriculture, chairs of the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture committees, and numerous senators and state governors.

Flinchbaugh was involved to some degree in every U.S. farm bill written since 1968, and served on many national boards, advisory groups and task forces, providing input on domestic food and agricultural policy.

He served as the chairman of the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture, which was authorized in the 1996 Federal Activities Inventory Reform, or FAIR, Act, also known as the Freedom to Farm Act.

“Barry Flinchbaugh will be deeply missed by many generations of the K-State family,” said K-State President Richard Myers. “His expertise and vast contributions to the university, the state and agricultural economics will have a lasting impact on the world for years to come through those whom he taught and counseled. His experiences have touched the lives of many and his wonderfully feisty, thoughtful, helpful and kind personality will be his legacy forever.”

“Agriculture has and always will be the backbone of Kansas’ economy,” said Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Dr. Flinchbaugh helped shape agriculture policy for more than a half-century. While we will miss him and his enormous contributions to our state, he leaves behind a legacy as a Kansan who improved the livelihoods of Kansas farmers, ranchers, producers — and agriculture workers across the nation.”

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, Kansas, who worked closely with Flinchbaugh on farm bill legislation, wrote his condolences on Twitter.

“Franki and I are deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh’s passing earlier today,” Roberts said. “Dr. Flinchbaugh was nothing short of a legend in his field. His expertise made him one of the most coveted and trusted advisers for agricultural policy for decades.

“Dr. Flinchbaugh’s legacy as an educator and advocate will live on through his work at K-State and his lifetime of dedication to agriculture. I will not only miss his guidance, but I will also miss his friendship, wit and humor.”

Flinchbaugh grew up in York, Pennsylvania, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State University. He earned a doctoral degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University before joining the K-State faculty in 1971.

At the time of his death, he was professor emeritus in K-State’s Department of Agricultural Economics, teaching a 400-level course in agricultural policy each fall. He also served several years as chair of the Landon Lecture Patrons, who support the university’s prestigious Landon Lecture Series.

A dynamic speaker, it was reported that Flinchbaugh would receive as many as 100 speaking invitations per year. He authored more than 100 publications and co-authored a textbook on agricultural policy.

Flinchbaugh’s no-nonsense style was both loved and cursed; he was known to lay out the facts of an issue whether it was politically correct or not. In a biographical sketch detailing his speaking qualifications, a farmer in Colby once said about Flinchbaugh: “I do not agree with a damn thing you said, but the next time you are in town making a speech, I will be here.”

K-State honored Flinchbaugh with its prestigious Outstanding Teacher Award three times during his career. It is estimated that he taught agricultural policy to more than 4,000 undergraduate students. He connected the university to hundreds of thousands of people by giving presentations to farmers, agricultural business groups and more through its extension mission.

“Our students, faculty and staff are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, and our thoughts are with the Flinchbaugh family during this challenging time,” said Ernie Minton, dean of the K-State College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. “Barry was known as the absolute authority on agricultural policy for decades. Few faculty members have had the opportunity to impact so many students and at the same time affect national agricultural policy as Dr. Flinchbaugh.

“We are going to miss his presence on campus, his expertise, his direct talk, his friendship and his affable personality and wit,” Minton said. “We will never forget the mischievous smile underneath his white beard and the bump of his walking cane on the floor following the delivery of a good one-liner.”

Upon his retirement in 2004 as the state leader of agricultural economics, a news release from K-State Research and Extension quotes Flinchbaugh as saying he wants college students and experienced farmers alike to have fun while they’re learning.

“But I also want them to be uncomfortable… to think outside the box. Occasionally you’ll make somebody mad. That’s one of the risks. But they’ll remember what you said.”

Flinchbaugh said one of his proudest professional moments came in 1971-1974 when he worked on a farm tax issue. During that time, he gave 300 presentations and visited all 105 counties in Kansas at least once.

“Barry Flinchbaugh was a man who loved his family, students, university and country,” said Mark Gardiner, Gardiner Angus Ranch, Ashland. “He cared about all people, from the president of the United States to young people trying to learn. We all were better educated after learning from Barry, yet we were better people from experiencing his zest for life.”

Flinchbaugh is survived in the family’s Manhattan home by his wife, Cathy. Flinchbaugh’s family will conduct a private family burial and plans to host a public celebration of his life sometime after the pandemic. Contributions in honor of Flinchbaugh may be made to the Flinchbaugh Scholarship Fund, the Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy Chair, or a charity of their choice in his name.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Kansas, said the following:

“Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh was an icon of agricultural policy in Kansas and throughout the nation. Dr. Flinchbaugh was well known for his involvement in helping craft farm bills for nearly five decades, and his authority on agriculture issues made him a trusted advisor to me and many prominent federal officials of both parties throughout his lifetime.

“More importantly, Dr. Flinchbaugh was my friend. We met when I called him more than 30 years ago to ask a question about Kansas tax policy. Ever since, I’ve admired and respected (loved) him. He spoke his mind, told me what he thought and made me a better senator and person. His death is a huge loss to me and all of his many friends, and it is hard to find the words to capture a man revered by so many. There may be no Kansan whose company I enjoyed more.

“Each year I would make a surprise visit to his ag policy class at K-State. His trademark sarcasm, wit and quips that made him a talented professor and a sought-after speaker was always on full display at the front of the classroom. I saw he loved and cared about his students and these feelings were mutual.

“There is no doubt Dr. Flinchbaugh’s presence in ag policy will be felt for generations to come through the thousands of students he taught and mentored during his decadeslong career as a professor at K-State. His loss will be felt deeply within the ag community, and Robba and I will be praying for Dr. Flinchbaugh’s family and loved ones during this time.”

Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association, said, “Barry Flinchbaugh was a wonderful member of the K-State family and a friend to not only the K-State Alumni Association but to me and many of our staff. He led multiple Traveling Wildcats tours for the association and had a very loyal following. His kindness, wit and infamous personality will truly be missed. My heartfelt sympathies are with Cathy and his children.

“Each year, the K-State Alumni Association presents the Flinchbaugh Family Wildcat Pride Award to a current or emeritus K-State faculty or staff member for his or her advocacy of alumni relations, with a special emphasis on support and participation in alumni programs that engage members of the Wildcat family. An original recipient of the award in 2011, Barry and Cathy endowed the award with a gift in 2015.

“Barry’s family was very important to him and he loved to share stories about his children,” Renz said. “We are honored to have an award named in honor of his family at the Association. Barry had unbelievable pride in Kansas State University and understood the important role that faculty and staff hold in strengthening the bond between alumni and their alma mater.”