At the Ag Outlook Forum, hosted by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Communications, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) delivered a direct message: trade policy alone won't secure the future of American agriculture.

"Anyone thinking trade deals alone will fix everything is amok," Marshall warned. While affirming his support for trade negotiations pursued during the Trump administration, he argued that sustainable success in agriculture depends more on domestic policy innovation and strategic ag production.

One of Marshall's top priorities? Year-round E15 ethanol availability, which he said could boost domestic corn demand by 2.5 billion bushels annually. "That's when American agriculture is going to succeed-when we turn corn into beef, soy into chicken, and create real domestic value," he said.

Marshall also pointed to Brazil's rising production as a global competitive pressure. "We can't stop Brazil from producing more, but we can push China-if they want to sell us electronics, they need to buy corn from Kansas," he stated.

Beyond trade and ethanol, Marshall spotlighted the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement, which he helped launch in the Senate. Although the initiative has raised concerns about seed oils, Marshall downplayed their health risks, instead criticizing ultraprocessed foods for their excessive salt, sugar, and preservatives.

On policy, Marshall called for a "skinny farm bill" to preserve access to pesticides, fertilizers, and biostimulants-natural soil-enhancing agents that boost nitrogen and carbon efficiency. He emphasized the need to protect farmer tools from overregulation by agencies like the EPA.

"Over 250 agriculture groups went to the White House and shaped the MAHA strategy," Marshall noted, crediting Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins for ensuring the final report didn't restrict pesticide use.

A long-time proponent of regenerative agriculture, Marshall urged the industry to adopt practices that reduce inputs and improve soil health. Though he didn't offer a formal definition, he highlighted minimal tillage, use of manure, and cover cropping as key components.

"It's time for agriculture to embrace regenerative agriculture," Marshall said. "We can make the world cleaner, healthier, and safer than we found it."

As farm bill discussions continue and the 2024 policy landscape evolves, Marshall's remarks add weight to a growing sentiment: American agriculture needs more than trade deals-it needs resilience from the ground up.