Meet Mike Rogers: U.S. Senate Candidate

Editor’s note: Michigan Farm Bureau has coordinated with the candidates for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and the gubernatorial race to provide their responses to four questions to help you learn more about the candidate, their background, and agriculture-related views. In the interest of fairness and objectivity, staff did not write or edit the candidates’ submissions. Each profile is presented as submitted by the candidates.

U.S. Senate Candidates: Mallory McMorrow, Mike Rogers, and Haley Stevens

Candidates for Governor: Jocelyn Benson, Mike Cox, Mike Duggan, John James, Perry Johnson, Aric Nesbitt, Ralph Rebandt, and Kim Thomas

Mike Rogers – Republican U.S. Senate Candidate

In your words, tell us who you are and why you’re the ideal candidate for U.S. Senate.

I’m Mike Rogers, a former Army officer, FBI agent, and Congressman who has spent my career fighting for Michigan. I’m running for the U.S. Senate because too many families feel like they’re falling behind and too many communities have been left behind. I have the experience to go to Washington on day one and deliver results, from lowering costs to rebuilding American industries and strengthening agriculture. This is a change election, and I’m focused on one thing: getting Michigan working again and making sure our farmers, workers, and small businesses have the opportunity to succeed.

Farm profitability remains a major concern for many producers. What policies would you support to strengthen the farm economy, manage rising input costs like fertilizer, and improve long-term financial stability for farmers? 

Farm profitability depends on stronger markets, lower input costs, and greater certainty. Expanding demand through biofuels like E15 will help create more reliable markets for farmers. Reducing input cost volatility is critical. Increasing domestic fertilizer production will limit dependence on foreign sources and protect against global disruptions. 

Washington also needs to cut unnecessary red tape. Overregulation and uncertainty make it harder for farmers to plan and invest, so clear and consistent rules matter. Strong crop insurance and access to capital remain essential so farmers can manage risk and stay afloat during tough cycles. Protecting prime farmland through a balanced approach to land use is also key to long-term stability.

Workforce shortages continue to challenge many sectors of agriculture. What policies would you support to help farmers and agribusinesses attract and retain employees, and what role should programs such as H-2A play in meeting labor needs? 

Workforce shortages are a major challenge, and solutions need to address both immediate labor needs and the long-term pipeline. Programs like H-2A are critical for seasonal labor, but they must be more efficient and predictable. Streamlining the process and reducing delays will make the program more workable for farms of all sizes. Labor costs are also a concern. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate has been unpredictable, and reforms should focus on greater stability and transparency. 

At the same time, we need to invest in workforce development by strengthening training and creating pathways for young people to enter agriculture. Ensuring access to a reliable workforce today while building the next generation is essential to the future of farming.

Federal policy plays a major role in agriculture through trade. How should the U.S. balance market access through trade agreements, enforcement against unfair trade practices, and utilization of tariffs?

Trade is critical to agriculture, and the focus should be on expanding market access while enforcing the rules. Strong trade agreements must open markets and ensure American producers are treated fairly. The U.S. should hold trading partners accountable for unfair practices that harm farmers. Tariffs are a useful tool when applied strategically to push back on those practices, but they should be used carefully as part of a broader, long-term strategy. Strengthening export markets and addressing challenges like seasonal dumping will help protect producers. Investing in ports and supply chains will also help farmers move products more efficiently and compete globally.