| NABC Board Chair Tom Bodtke and his brother, Larry, of Cornerstone Ag Enterprises were acknowledged Tuesday by Vice President Mike Pence in a speech to Michigan famers. The speech covered several ag topics, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) and Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). The Bodtke brothers were called out by Pence for taking an active role and firm stance on the “Ditch Rule” related to WOTUS repeal efforts. Pence said their efforts, along with those of other Farm Bureau members, were instrumental in getting the EPA’s 2015 Clean Water rule repealed and replaced with a “Navigable Waters” definition. “It was humbling, quite an honor, but (we) didn’t know anything about it,” Tom told Michigan Farm News of the recognition. The Bodtkes also said they’re optimistic about trade in 2020, acknowledging the complexity of trade agreements and mentioning they’re appreciative of help when it comes down the pike. “Hopefully, eventually, those trade agreements will bring us the revenue we need,” Larry told Michigan Farm News. In his comments, Pence noted that American families benefit from the hard work of Michigan farmers like the Bodtkes. “Beyond the economic impact, you contribute in another way. What you sow, the nation reaps,” Pence said. “You know and personify the value of a hard day’s work. You literally model, every day, the true grit of this natiNABC Board Chair Tom Bodtke and his brother, Larry, of Cornerstone Ag Enterprises were acknowledged Tuesday by Vice President Mike Pence in a speech to Michigan famers. on.” Read the full article from Michigan Farm News here! |
