Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1134511
13 farm406 have also become extremely concentrated, lowering prices all the way down the food supply chain. Several democratic 2020 presidential candidates have spoken about the need to revamp antitrust laws, and a few have focused specifically on agriculture. Elizabeth Warren recently released a package of agricultural policy proposals. Using antitrust law to break up agribusiness monopolies on both the input and output sides is the centerpiece, but it includes other provisions like the "right to repair" farm equipment. Amy Klobuchar, speaking at the recent Heartland Forum called for a modern day "Granger movement" referring to the Midwestern coalition of farmers that fought against abuses from monopolistic railroad barons shortly aer the Civil War. Corey Booker has sponsored legislation to restrict further mergers in the farming and food sectors. I'm not going to aempt to predict what happens in 2020 or what policies might change as a result, but there is a groundswell of recognition of industry concentration and its ill effects. A renewed antitrust movement could fundamentally transform many sectors of the US economy, few more than agriculture. ................................................................................................................................................. Kelley Aline 209 Smelter Ave NE • Ste 2 Great Falls, MT 59404 406-452-1339 Michael Plummer 1321 8th Ave N • Ste 101 Great Falls, MT 59401 406-727-7433 Eric Borggard, CFP ® 720 River Dr S • Ste 300 Great Falls, MT 59405 406-727-3427 Amanda Maher 702 2nd St S • Ste 1 Great Falls, MT 59405 406-952-0413 Tom Katz 720 River Dr S • Ste 300 Great Falls, MT 59405 406-727-5540 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC Investing is about more than money. At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: "What's important to you?" Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning. Contact your Edward Jones nancial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what's really importnat: your goals. farm finance