The Missouri State University William H. Darr School of Agriculture proudly hosted the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Michael Scuse. A luncheon was held where Under Secretary Scuse addressed a room full of leaders in Missouri agriculture. He also met with Missouri State agricultural students for a roundtable discussion and question and answer period.

Most producers across the country are familiar with the three agencies the Under Secretary covers in his job title, the Farm Services Agency, Risk Management Agency and the Foreign Agricultural Service. I had the opportunity to sit down with him and he shared the latest information and his opinion on trade and the implementation of key farm bill programs.

“The discussions are going on right now and hopefully in the very near future we are going to be able to have the votes needed to give President Obama Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Every President since FDR has had TPA and we think it’s important. It gives our negotiators that are working on these deals additional leverage.”

Listen to my complete interview with Under Secretary Scuse where he addresses other issues like TPP, T-TIP and crop insurance here: Interview with Under Secretary Michael Scuse

While addressing attendees to the luncheon, Under Secretary Scuse made one statement twice because of it’s importance. “What happens in 2015 will be one of the most important year in history for trade.”

Listen to the Under Secretary’s complete remarks here: Remarks from Under Secretary Michael Scuse

Find a few photos from the event here: Missouri State University School of Ag Hosts Under Sec. Scuse Photo Album