Missouri State Fair’s legislator day brought policy makers together to talk about issues facing not only Missouri farmers and ranchers but about regulation that affects those involved with agriculture across the country. On that list was immigration. We have heard many of the front running political candidates give their opinions, but few have touched on it’s impact on agriculture.

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt believes we need to find answers for how to secure the border, how to determine the legitimate workforce needs of the country and decide what do you do with people who came or stayed illegally. “When the American people believe that the border is under operational control, as it should be, then I think we will be able to deal with these other issues more quickly.”

The Senator understands that having the workforce needs of the country met with a workforce available, needs to be a top priority. “I think for us ever to be able to deal with that effectively and in the longterm, the people have a reason to expect the government to secure it’s own borders and we need to figure out how to do that.”

Learn more about the Senator’s stance on other ag issues here: Interview with Senator Roy Blunt

During the fair, Blunt also hosted a press conference where Missouri commodity groups spoke about their support for his re-election and his continued commitment to agriculture. Listen to the conference here:Senator Roy Blunt Press Conference

Congresswomen Vicky Hartzler sits on the House Ag Committee and also touched on the immigration issues. “The current system is broken and needs to be fixed. That is one area the judiciary committee has been working on is a bill to revise that system. It is needed. I support it and I hope we can get that done soon.”

Listen to my complete interview with the Congresswomen here: Interview with Congresswomen Vicky Hartzler

In my interviews with each, they also touched on the GMO labeling bill, Country of Origin Labeling, EPA’s Clean Water Rule and the Renewable Fuel Standard.