Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson says the recent election could create an opportunity to rebuild bipartisan cooperation on farm policy. The Minnesota Democrat, who served 15 terms in Congress, says agriculture policy cannot work effectively when controlled by just one party. “You’re going to end up going back and forth, and farmers are going to get whipsawed,” Peterson told Agri-Pulse. Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp also says rural communities need stronger representation from both parties, pointing to concerns over tariffs, markets, and rising farm input costs. Peterson says Democratic victories in agriculture-heavy areas, including Iowa, should send a message to the White House that farmers are frustrated with political division and uncertainty. The election also raises questions about the future of farm bill negotiations. Leaders from both parties have pledged to work toward passage this year, but it remains unclear whether Democrats will wait until taking majority control next year to resume negotiations.
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