Navigating What’s Next in Ag Policy

Bringing decades of farm bill experience

Mary Kay Thatcher offers expertise to help you navigate the complex world of agricultural legislation and policy.

After decades of shaping farm policy from Capitol Hill to the Administration and to the private sector, she brings unparalleled experience in farm policy, ag credit, crop insurance, and conservation programs.

Whether you need strategic guidance on upcoming legislation, policy analysis, or a presentation, Mary Kay Thatcher is here to help you understand and influence the policies that shape American agriculture.

Meet Mary Kay

Throughout her career, Mary Kay has served in key positions at the American Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Credit Administration, on Capitol Hill, and at Syngenta, always with a focus on crop insurance, conservation initiatives, and farm safety net programs. Since 1981, she has been instrumental in shaping nine Farm Bills, developing legislation like the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987, enhancing crop insurance programs, and establishing agricultural data privacy standards.

Her expertise spans crop insurance policy, conservation programs, farm credit systems, trade negotiations, and the legislative process itself. She has delivered hundreds of presentations on topics ranging from pesticide regulation to trade policy, and she has represented U.S. agriculture at international conferences and World Trade Organization negotiations.

Her career began 1981 as Agricultural Legislative Assistant to Senator Roger Jepsen (R-IA) during the drafting of the 1981 Farm Bill. 

She currently operates a farm in Iowa and resides in Alexandria, VA.

Boards

National Association of Wheat Growers

Ag Retailers Association

National Association of Farm Broadcasters Foundation

Services

Public Speaking Engagements

  • Farm bill analysis and implications

  • Crop insurance program updates

  • Conservation policy trends

  • Agricultural trade policy

  • Legislative process and advocacy strategies

Consulting Services

  • Policy analysis and strategic guidance

  • Legislative testimony

  • Program development and implementation advice

  • Stakeholder engagement strategies

  • Regulatory compliance guidance

Areas of Expertise

  • Farm bill development and implementation

  • Crop insurance programs and policy

  • Conservation program design

  • Agricultural credit and finance

  • Trade policy and negotiations

  • Data privacy and agricultural technology policy

Testimonials

  • "Mary Kay is an incredible resource for anyone involved in agricultural policy. Whether you are a producer, industry leader or policymaker, you will benefit from her perspectives. She has an incredible gift for translating complex federal policy and regulatory issues into plain language and actionable insights."

    Sara Wyant
    Editor/Publisher, Agri-Pulse

  • "Mary Kay has a rare talent for translating complex legislation and regulations into clear, understandable language—an essential skill when explaining how policies affect the daily lives of producers, processors, and consumers. Success in Washington depends not only on what you know, but also on who you know. Mary Kay excels in both areas—she’s a leader with unmatched expertise and invaluable connections."

    Chandler Goule
    CEO, National Association of Wheat Growers

  • "Mary Kay Thatcher was one of the first people I met in Washington, DC, over 25 years ago in the agricultural industry. She is a well-known and respected figure for her deep knowledge of the political and policy processes, both on and off Capitol Hill. Over the years, she has successfully navigated numerous farm bills, appropriations, trade agreements, and other key legislation impacting the U.S. food and agriculture systems."

    Dana Brooks, President and CEO at Pet Food Institute

Hear from Mary Kay: