Agriculture Industry Reacts to Rep. Mike Johnson's Election as Speaker of the House

Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson was elected 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, ending three weeks of vacancy in the role after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted. Agricultural industry groups released statements encouraging bipartisan cooperation and funding the federal government as Johnson was sworn in.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, a trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, congratulated Johnson on his election.

“Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed the results of attention-seeking antics and selfish motives by a few members of Congress. As our country continues to face challenges at home and abroad, we need leaders with the courage to reject toxic political extremes and put our country first," says Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg. "We encourage Speaker Johnson to lead by example and begin his tenure by reaching across the aisle to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to address the many pressing issues that have been left unresolved as the legislative process ground to a halt. With government funding set to expire on November 17, our country can ill afford a repeat of the past 22 days."

Eideberg continued, “Equipment manufacturers look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and his team to advance policy solutions that to invest in rural America, bolster our global competitiveness, address our country’s labor shortage, and create family-sustaining American jobs.”

American Farm Bureau Federation

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) praised Johnson's "strong history of supporting America’s farmers and ranchers," noting he's earned their ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award multiple times.

“America’s families are relying on Speaker Johnson, and Congress, to focus on pressing needs, including completion of fiscal year 2024 appropriations and passage of a farm bill," says AFBF President Zippy Duvall. "The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and affordable food supply for everyone."

Duvall continues, “We stand ready to work with Speaker Johnson to pass this important legislation. Every family in America is counting on his leadership.”

National Corn Growers Association

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is a farmer-led trade organization that represents the interests of more than 300,000 farmers.

“We are pleased to see that, as Speaker Mike Johnson noted, the ‘people’s house is back in business,’” says NCGA President and Minnesota farmer, Harold Wolle. “The new House speaker’s Louisiana district is steeped in farmland, and we look forward to working closely with him as Congress advances a farm bill that is good for corn growers and rural America. We are grateful for Speaker Johnson’s previous support on issues important to corn growers, such as supporting crop insurance during the 2018 farm bill amendment process; opposing fertilizer duties; and advocating for EPA to adhere to scientific evidence regarding critical crop protection tools. We look forward to working with Speaker Johnson, as well as members on both sides of the aisle, on these and other important efforts.”

North American Meat Institute

The Meat Institute, a trade association representing packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, and processed meat products, also extended their congratulations to the new speaker.

“Our members are a critical part of the food value chain and call on Speaker Johnson to ensure the federal government remains funded and able to address key challenges especially persistent labor shortages and inflation,” says Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts.

Competitive Markets Action and the Organization for Competitive Markets

Marty Irby, President & CEO of Competitive Markets Action and Board Secretary at the Organization for Competitive Markets, speaking for both non-profit organizations says, "Mike Johnson is a tireless champion for Americans, conservative values, and most importantly an honorable Christian man who recognizes the value of American family farmers. We look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and his team on the upcoming Farm Bill and are elated to see he's already made it a top priority for 2023." 

Congressman Jim Costa

Democratic Congressman Jim Costa of California serves on the House Committee on Agriculture.

“After 22 days without a Speaker of the House, today’s election of Rep. Johnson means we can get back to work. We have a lot of work to do, including keeping the government funded by passing a budget. The American people deserve a Congress that can govern and deliver for them in times of crisis. My hope is that we now work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done on behalf of the American people,” Costa said Wednesday.