Earlier in the year, I attended the Michigan Farm Bureau National Legislative Seminar in Washington, DC. The hot topics included ratification of free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Columbia, as well as the need to pass HR 872 and of course the 2012 farm bill. The entire Michigan Farm Bureau delegation was greeted by both senators Stabenow and Levin, as well as representatives Huizenga, Benishek, Walberg and Miller. We also met individually with various representatives to discuss these and other important issues facing agriculture. It is clear that agriculture issues will continue to play a prominent role in both state and federal legislation this year.