Policy Articles
Farm Real Estate Value Increases
Published May 14, 2023
Agriculture credit conditions remain strong with farm real estate values continued to increase but growth has softened according the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Its survey of 10th District bankers says while improvement in farm finances and credit conditions…Farm Bill Issues Heard at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Published May 14, 2023
House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership met with President Joe Biden and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at the White House this past week. In a joint statement following the meeting, the congressional leaders stressed the importance of passing a farm…Ballot Initiative Bypasses the Legislative Process
Published May 14, 2023
Any pork sold in California must adhere to the new animal welfare standards. Proposition 12 passed as a balllot initiative in 2018. Animal Ag Alliance Communications Manager Emily Solis says other states attempted to pass similar legislation, but ballot initiatives have…Aggies Monitor Action on Environment Bill
Published May 14, 2023
The end of Minnesota's legislative session is fast approaching with a lot of business yet to be done. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Dan Glessing says his membership is keeping a close eye on the environment bill language dealing with…End of Session Nears
Published May 14, 2023
Minnesota Farmers Union Director of Government Relations Stu Lourey says healthcare is an important issue in St. Paul during this session. “We are very committed to ensuring a pubic buy-in option to Minnesota Care will allow farmers and others to…Omnibus Agriculture Bill Goes to Governor Walz
Published May 14, 2023
The Minneosta House approved the Agriculture Conference Committee Report in a vote of 85-to-44. That was followed by Senate approval with a margin of 49-to-16. The lengthy bill is expected to be signed by Governor Tim Walz.NPPC ‘Very Disappointed’ in SCOTUS Decision
Published May 14, 2023
The Supreme Court refused to overrule the will of California voters. “We are very disappointed with the Supreme Court’s opinion,” said Scott Hays, president, National Pork Producers Council. “Allowing state overreach will increase prices for consumers and drive small farms…HSUS ‘Thrilled’ With Court Decision
Published May 14, 2023
Humane Society of the United States President/CEO Kitty Block hailed the Supreme Court decision, calling it “historic.” Proposition 12 establishes housing standards for pigs, chickens and veal calves. The law also bans the in-state sale of pork, eggs and veal…Green Light for Beagle Brigade
Published May 12, 2023
The House Agriculture Committee passed the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons says it's an important win for agriculture. "This act will provide authorization for the dog workforce trained to detect fruits,…