Architect Of Farm Bill Pays Visit To CLAAS Of America

Former Secretary of Agriculture and current U.S. Senator, Mike Johanns, recently paid a visit to the corporate headquarters of CLAAS of America for a tour of the plant and to “talk shop” with CoA President Leif Magnusson.

“We had a great discussion ranging from the importance of the Farm Bill and what we hope it will look like in its finished form, to EPA regulations and workforce development,” said Magnusson. “The Senator was disappointed with the hold-up on the latest Farm Bill passage and is a strong proponent of limited EPA regulations that would continue to protect the environment without placing undue burdens on the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. He understands the importance of a strong manufacturing sector and is obviously very knowledgeable about the agricultural industry in general.”

Sen. Johanns toured the Omaha assembly plant that continues to expand their output each year, all while expanding the number of parts they source from North America. “Currently about 35 percent of our parts are sourced here in the United States and Canada, including most of our engines (from Caterpillar) and grain tanks that are manufactured 50 miles away in Lincoln, Nebraska,” said Magnusson. The number of North American components used by CLAAS of America continues to grow each year.

CLAAS of America, Association members since 1996; claas.com.