MFBF Update
The Minnesota Farm Bureau is celebrating 100 years. Learn more from Director of Public Policy Amber Glaeser in this edition of the MFBF Update.
Policy Articles
Agricultural Commodities Transported by Rail Continues to Decline
A number of class one railroads are implementing precision scheduled operating logs. National Grain and Feed Association President Randy Gordon says this is reducing railway capacity, staff and the number of locomotives in service. "We've seen processing plants have frequency…
Senator Westrom Holds Field Hearing in Crookston, Minnesota
The Minnesota Senate Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Finance Committee held a field hearing in Crookston Friday morning. Chairman Torrey Westrom says it was a chance to hear firsthand what farmers are facing in northwestern Minnesota. "We're hearing about harvest…
Harvest and USMCA are Top Priorities for VanderWal
Volga, South farmer Scott VanderWal only planted half of his intended acres this past spring. This fall has been tough as well with snow and rain, but VanderWal is making harvest progress. "We've harvested most of the soybeans, but there…
Optimism for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports in 2020
Thirty farmers and ranchers have returned from a trip to Japan with the U.S. Meat Export Federation. The group met with buyers of U.S. meat products, as well as consumers. It was a timely trip with the signing of a…
Fordyce Addresses Local Access to WHIP Plus Program
The North Dakota Farm Service Agency and others worked to fast track disaster declaration so farmers could access to the WHIP plus program. Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce said farmers still need to harvest their crop. "We know there's…
Additions Made to House Ag Committee Staff
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson has added two people to the committee staff, Luke Theriot and Malikha Daniels. Theriot is a Louisiana native who was a senior policy advisor for a Texas representative. Daniels most recently worked as a…
Trade Talks Continue
U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators met by phone over the weekend. Regarding the phase-one trade deal, both sides described the discussion as “constructive.” The U.S. and China also agreed to stay in close communication. As a sign of good faith,…
Next Traunche of MFP Payments on the Way
The second tranche of Market Facilitation Program payments will be made beginning today. Farmers will receive 25 percent of the total 2019 MFP payment. That’s on top of the 50 percent payment made earlier this year. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue…
Trump Tweet
President Donald Trump referenced the Market Facilitation Program payments while on Twitter over the weekend. Trump said farmers are receiving “another major round of cash” due to Chinese tariffs. Trump said small farms will be “big beneficiaries.” However, payments are…
