News

Kansas expanding domestic markets for producers

Kansas Ag Secretary Mike Beam says the state continues to invest in domestic processing to provide farmers and ranchers additional markets.

He tells Brownfield international trade can be challenging due to transportation costs.  “We’re not quite as competitive on the international front because a lot of products have a freight advantage when you’re closer to the post on the east and west coast.”

Beam says that’s why Kansas is focusing on value-added opportunities closer to home. “Hilmar Dairy, which is going to use a lot of milk, when they are up and running. We’ve had two soybean crushing facilities come online recently and a new wheat milling plant.”

He says these developments not only support local producers but also reduce the impact of ongoing trade tensions with other countries.