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From the state to the national level, there are plenty of changes coming following the 2024 elections. Republicans took control of the House, Senate and White House and emerged with a tie in the Minnesota House. The question on everyone’s mind in the ag community is: What does it mean for our industry?

Join the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR) during its CPM Short Course and Trade Show sessions on Dec. 10-12 as they attempt to answer that question with their Legislative Panel Discussion: Review of the 2024 Elections and Potential Implications for the Ag Sector. Leading the panel are a pair of public relations gurus both considered experts in political issues, Blois Olson and Brian McClung.

“It’s pretty common for elections to swing one way or the other, and this year was no different,” Olson said. “Republicans certainly fared well at the national level while Democrats held their ground locally here in Minnesota,” said Olson.

Otherwise known as “Mr. Minnesota” for his ability to read the mood of the state’s residents and political dynamics and economic trends, Blois Olson has moderated hundreds of conversations across the state including political debates, economic discussions, business forums and at Farmfest. Olson has also been an on-air host and contributor to WCCO Radio for more than 25 years. In addition, he has built a handful of successful businesses in media and public relations. His current company, Fluence Media, is the leading source of information for Minnesota’s business and political insiders.

In Minnesota, the Senate remained in control by Democrats, but control of the House of Representatives is split between both parties. Olson notes that it’ll be interesting to watch how the leaders behave with that unique dynamic. The last time the state House was tied occurred in 1979.

“Behind the scenes at the committee level is where we’ll see that power shift where one particular member could end up having all the power,” said Olson. “Another unknown is whether the governor will continue in a partisan or bipartisan way as they work to put together a budget bill, which is ultimately the biggest issue of the session.”

After a week of counting the votes, Republicans are now poised to take control of both the House and Senate at the national level, along with Donald Trump retaking the Presidency. From an ag retailer perspective, Olson believes this could mean some regulatory changes.

“I think some of the more aggressive environmental regulations are going to go away, so I think there will be relief on that end felt by the agricultural industry and farmers,” said Olson. “But I think another big thing to keep an eye would be the Farm Bill and what this dynamic in the legislature means for that.”

Joining Olson on the legislative panel is Brian McClung, CEO of McClung PR. McClung brings to the panel more than 25 years of experience in media, politics and business. Prior to launching his company, McClung served under Gov. Tim Pawlenty as press secretary, communications director and deputy chief of staff.

“Brian has a deep history in Minnesota politics and will be able to provide a good perspective of the mood of the legislature, of how things might go, having worked for Governor Pawlenty during a divided legislature,” said Olson of his panel colleague.

The panel discussion is scheduled for 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11. To see the full agenda of short course sessions or to register for the event, visit the MCPR website.