Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, who is running for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat, has made over 200 stops across the state, including more than 80 in Greater Minnesota. While on the campaign trail, Flanagan said farmers have asked for stability and predictability. Labor has also been a concern. The ICE crackdown concentrated on the Twin Cities, but made its way into rural Minnesota. While a drawdown is happening, but ICE is still making its presence known on farms and agribusinesses. “Farmers are saying workers are afraid to leave their homes, they’re afraid to come to work, and even afraid to go to the grocery store; it has absolutely created a real labor shortage that’s impacting farmers who have already suffered so many hits.” There’s been some back and forth in recent days between Flanagan and Congresswoman Angie Craig over debates. Flanagan told the Red River Farm Network that she is committed to a debate on agricultural issues during Farmfest. “I look forward to that debate.”
