RUSHFORD VILLAGE, MN — On Sunday evening, congressional candidate Jake Johnson hosted a farmers' roundtable in Rushford Village, bringing together more than a dozen crop and livestock producers from across southeastern Minnesota to discuss the challenges facing family farms and rural communities. Throughout the conversation, farmers repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of Washington policies, such as the tariffs supported by Congressman Brad Finstad.

"One thing was clear from the conversation: farmers are working harder than ever, but Washington keeps making their jobs more difficult," said Jake Johnson. "The people growing our food shouldn't have to worry about whether politicians are going to impose tariffs, cut rural health care, or start a war that sends diesel and fertilizer prices through the roof. Southern Minnesota farmers deserve a representative who listens, shows up, and fights for them."

Farmers representing corn, soybean, hog, dairy, and diversified operations spoke candidly about disappearing export markets, cuts to vital USDA and USAID programs and services, workforce challenges, and the growing difficulty of passing farms on to the next generation. Participants also discussed concerns about biosecurity, crop insurance, water treatment, unfair property valuations, public-private partnerships that help with strengthening export markets, and the need for stronger investments in local processing and agricultural infrastructure.

The roundtable was part of Johnson's commitment to hold in-person events across Minnesota's First Congressional District and hear directly from the people affected by decisions made in Washington. Johnson recently announced plans to hold an in-person town hall in each of the district's 21 counties before Election Day. The first town hall will take place this Saturday at 6PM at Viaduct Park in Faribault, Minnesota.

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