U.S. Senator Joni Ernst stopped in Jefferson at the Landus Cooperative site as part of her 99-county tour Friday. 

Following a tour of the facility with Landus Cooperative officials including CEO Milan Kucerak, Ernst spoke mostly about trade and how it impacted the agriculture business. It was mentioned that with current trading difficulties with Mexico, one of Landus Cooperative’s main trading partners, it has put a strain on their relationship.

Ernst then spoke about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA). She said the agreement has been ratified by both Mexico and Canada. If the U.S. doesn’t ratify it in the next couple of months, Ernst said President Donald Trump will pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Ernst emphasized how pulling out of NAFTA would ultimately hurt Iowa and she would not support such a decision.

The final part of the visit was left to questions from employees. Ernst covered topics including infrastructure spending, refinery waiver concerns with the Environmental Protection Agency, foreign animal disease risks, rural broadband legislation, and workforce and Visa programs.