USDA Crop Lock-Up, Washington DC

Hello Everyone,

As the semester begins to ramp up with exams and such I’d like to take some time to reflect on a recent trip to Washington D.C. I was able to go on with Collegiate Farm Bureau. The main point of the trip was to visit D.C. for the USDA Crop Lock-up. While in D.C. we were able to tour many memorials, learn about the American Farm Bureau, and visit with industry professionals and those working in the government. A highlight of the trip for me was the time we got to spend with the undersecretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, Ted Mckinney. He was eager to meet us and tell us about his career story through the industry and then into public service. He also shed some light on the current trade issues and gave us assurance that we are making much-needed strives to create better deals for our hard-working American farmers

Talking with Ted Mckinney

During the Crop Lock-up, we learned about the data and statistical methods that are used to create the USDA crop reports each month. My eyes were opened to the importance of the crop report for markets and trade. This being said, they take many precautions to keep their information safe until it is time to release so it gives everyone in the market fair access to the report. When we went into lock-up we couldn’t take any kind of transmitting devices and the people working on the report are not able to leave the facility from 1am when they begin formulating the report until after the report is released at noon. 

USDA Crop Lock-up visit

Opportunities like this are what bring so much extra value to the Purdue experience. There are many opportunities to travel and learn about more than just what is taught in class when you get involved with clubs and organizations. I’m blessed to have had so many great experiences while in college.

Best wishes,

Andrew Chupp

If you have any question feel free to email me!

chupp1@purdue.edu