Plantings, June 2025 - Summer!
Welcome to the start of summer. After rain, wind, and hail - the hot south wind moves in. Combines are on the move across south-central Kansas, making up for lost time. Democrats are on the move as well - and Food and Farm Caucus has news to share.
A. Ag and Rural Issues - Kansas Democratic Platform
The Wheat is Ready (local photo, south-central Kansas)
Wheat harvest is underway in Kansas. It is a reminder of how vital ag and farm policy is to our state. At the national level, Republicans threatening major cuts and disruptions to SNAP and nutrition services that people depend on. Food and Farm Policies matter!
Later this summer, the Kansas Democratic Party will be holding its process to update the Party Platform. The Food and Farm Caucus is intent on making sure rural voices and ag and food issues remain relevant and prominent. Be a part of policy by weighing in - send us your thoughts for advocacy. Please also see our spot polls on Facebook (recent example) at Food and Farm Caucus page https://www.facebook.com/FFCofKDP
To read through the already solid and progressive current platform on Ag and Rural issues, see this summary (and it also includes a link back to the full platform at the KDP website.)
B. We Are Watching
Since November Harvest Blue has featured "We Are Watching" (https://www.harvestblue.org/we-are-watching), a diary of the behavior of one man and his enablers. It but scratches the surface. In just these last 2 weeks:
June 8-21: National guard federalized in California and then Marines sent in for domestic operations. Federal court rules for California to stop it - then appeals court swings back to Trump. Trump's military parade on 6/14 (Flag Day, Army 250th founding, and Trump's birthday) gets mediocre attendance, while NO KINGS protests nationwide are numerous. Federal judge strikes down health care grant cancellations and criticizes the racism. Two lawmakers and their spouses in Minnesota shot by a right wing killer - one couple dies. Killer is captured after a manhunt. Trump attends G7 in Canada and laments the absence of Russia in the group, then leaves early. ICE arrests and federal agent intimidation towards Democratic lawmakers continue - unjustifiable arrest of high ranking NYC official and a stunning roughing-up of a sitting US Senator. Israel and Iran intensify direct attacks on each other; Trump weighs getting involved based on nuclear weapons development and on Sat 6/21 announced US strikes were conducted against 3 sites within Iran. (Sources: AP Morning Wire, NPR, Heather Cox Richardson)
C. Food and Farm Activities - Volunteer Focus
Progress takes work - and organization. Seeds we've planted this winter and spring are growing. Our Food and Farm Caucus is organized to do more than talk - we are actively trying to grow the change we want in Kansas. Here are the priorities our members and volunteers are working on right now - PLEASE JOIN US:
* Harvest Blue Website & Social Media - a communications hub. Help us with writing and tech work - plus engage via social media on the Food and Farm FB page, our Blusky group, and engagement the "Unyielding Kansans. Blue" Facebook group.
* Events, Democracy Fest - Kansas Dems are going to gather in 3 different fun events called "Democracy Fest" this fall. Watch for Save the dates coming soon, but the locations are Colby, Dodge City and Hays. Food and Farm members will be actively helping at each one.
* Food and Farm Policy - We continue to build an ongoing policy team to stay engaged, track bills, write on federal and state policy, and reach out to allied organizations. Let us know if you want to be a part of policy.
* Yard SIgn Crew --- yard signs are how many Kansans first speak out - especially in Red and Purple zones. It takes work and logistics to get signs distributed (see below). Looking for people who already criss-cross Kansas, as well as friends in towns across Kansas willing to act as hubs and organizers.
If any of this sounds like you - let us know.
D. Real Kansans, Real Voters, Real Fed Up - Yard Signs
Real Kansans, Real Voters, Real Fed Up
No doubt you've seen the billboards and yard signs.
Our friends at Salina Indivisible and PUSH PAC caught the spirit of this moment - with an iconic image and targeted message. Food and Farm Caucus has been pleased to help with promotion and transportation logistics.
To order your signs
Order here via Salina Indivisible Order form
Then Donate online via Push PAC to help foster the sign project (their requested donation is $10/sign)
Contact Salina Indivisible at salinaindivisible@gmail.com if questions
Many County parties and others have also stepped forward to be hubs for signs or to get a supply of their own for local members. Food and Farm Caucus in particular is working next on outreach to western Kansas.
(Food and Farm Caucus was not involved in launching this effort nor are we benefiting financially in any way --- but we know a good thing when we spot it!)
E. House Ag Dems Speak Truth to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins testified to the US House Ag Committee on June 11th. The ranking Democrat on the committee, Angie Craig (Minnesota) had this to say at the conclusion of the hearing (see https://democrats-agriculture.house.gov/news)
“There was a lot of talk today about how the Trump administration is putting America’s farmers first. But I think if you actually asked many farmers, ranchers and producers, they’d be less certain.
The farmers I know and speak to talk to me about uncertainty. They say they’re not sure whether they can make it another season. They’re worried about handing the farm over to their children. Something America’s family farmers strive for, and take pride in, but are struggling to do under these economic conditions. They tell me they want us to help develop markets – not more government handouts.
Since January, farm country has been dealt one blow after another. Trade wars that increase costs and eliminate markets. USDA layoffs that impact farm program enrollment. The elimination of oversubscribed USDA programs that farmers rely on to help their bottom lines. Contracts they have signed, ignored. Catering to an HHS secretary who cites, believes and promotes fake science. And Secretary Rollins, you aren’t standing up to him – and the farmers that feed and fuel the world would like to see you do so.
You’ll have to excuse me and my colleagues if we don’t quite believe the “putting farmers first” rhetoric.
I know you're working hard, but we shouldn’t be pushing trade partners away from America’s soybean farmers and toward soy products grown in Brazil and Argentina. We should be working to increase market access rather than watching our competitors eat into ours.
You’ve mentioned China agreed to a trade deal a few times today, but if you look under the hood, it's not delivering more market access. It appears we've just re-agreed to move forward with the previous tentative framework that was agreed to last month in Geneva. As we sit here today, it seems we're still stuck at "a concept of a plan."
In addition, we shouldn’t be signing onto and lending what’s left of USDA’s credibility to MAHA Commission reports that aim to take away the tools our American farmers use to grow our food.
We shouldn’t be going along with the mismanagement of the USDA programs and personnel that Elon Musk and his DOGE kids raided during the USDA's early days. We're heard nothing but silence from the Cabinet during that period of time.
The current course on reconciliation is threatening the farm bill coalition. And we should’ve been trying to pass a five-year, 12-title farm bill rather than cutting SNAP by $300 billion, putting the stability and income it provides to family farmers in jeopardy …
…Today, as I look under the hood, this administration is creating the chaos that is failing our farmers.”