The administration this week celebrated American agriculture and its important contributions to the nation. Michael Dykes, D.V.M, IDFA president and CEO, joined a celebration on Tuesday at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for National Agriculture Day, where Vice President Mike Pence and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue presented a presidential proclamation recognizing the critical role of agriculture in trade and the American economy.

The event was also attended by members of Congress and several students representing Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Dykes Attends White House Briefing on Infrastructure

Also on Tuesday Dykes attended a briefing at the White House with several other association CEOs from manufacturing and investment industries. The group discussed the administration’s plans for upgrading the nation’s infrastructure and modifying regulations that hamper investments in infrastructure with Dianne Quebral, special assistant to the president for business outreach in the White House Office of Public Liaison; Stephen Munisteri, deputy assistant to the president and deputy director for the Office of Public Liaison; and D.J. Gribbin, special assistant to the president for infrastructure policy.

Five cabinet members, including Secretary Perdue, testified this week before Congress on the administration’s infrastructure plans and how the cabinet members are working together to implement a one agency approach to reviewing requests for approval on infrastructure projects.

Dykes Represents IDFA at NRCC Dinner Where President Trump Was Keynote Speaker

Dykes also attended an annual dinner hosted by the National Republican Congressional Committee, where President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker. The president delivered an update on the administration’s efforts to grow the economy and job opportunities for Americans. He also encouraged republican leaders to be optimistic going into the mid-term elections.

At the event, Dykes sat with Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R- Va.) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) during the dinner. He also talked to several other congressmen, including Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Billy Long (R-Mo.) and Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

To see highlights from National Agriculture Day, visit @michaeldykesdc on Twitter.