Policy Articles
MN, ND Lawmakers Sponsor Export Legislation
Published May 4, 2023
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and North Dakota Senator John Hoeven have reintroduced legislation to establish a Rural Export Center to help identify new buyers and develop strategies to reach international markets. This bill is cosponsored by Senator Tina Smith of…Senate Dems Take Aim at China
Published May 4, 2023
Senate Democrats are proposing legislation to reduce China’s influence worldwide. This proposal would limit the flow of advanced technology and investment to China while boosting similar efforts in the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said “the Xi regime is…Conferees Work on Ag Bill in St. Paul
Published May 3, 2023
A conference committee met to compare the House and Senate omnibus agriculture appropriations bills. “There are definitely some similarities in some of the things we’re trying to do,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Vice Chair Rob Kupec. The Moorhead freshman said…Paid Leave Bill Passes in MN House
Published May 3, 2023
The Minnesota House of Representatives has passed legislation providing workers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and another 12 weeks of paid medical leave per year. Republican lawmakers tried to turn back the bill, saying it will hurt…Federal Order Reform Proposal Submitted to USDA
Published May 2, 2023
The National Milk Producers Federation has submitted its proposal to update the federal milk marketing orders. This proposal goes beyond the changes sought by the International Dairy Foods Association, which is only calling for an update in the ‘make allowances’…Paid Family, Medical Leave Called ‘Unrealistic for Rural Minnesota’
Published May 1, 2023
Paid family leave legislation continues to work its way through the Minnesota Legislature. State Representative Deb Kiel, Crookston, says this bill would have harsh consequences on Rural Minnesota where it is already a struggle to find staff. “We don’t have…Advocating CRP Flexibility
Published May 1, 2023
A Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association delegation was on Capitol Hill this past week, discussing flexibility for Conservation Reserve Programs with lawmakers. MSCA Interim President Jake Thompson, Barnesville, said grazing CRP ground can be a helpful management practice. “We want to…Promoting Competition
Published May 1, 2023
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says his organization isn't focused a bill that will easily pass politically, but a bill that will truly benefit farmers and ranchers promoting competition in the marketplace. “So much of agriculture right now is…A Unique Farm Bill Ask
Published May 1, 2023
National Cattlemen's Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says the cattle industry has unique farm bill priorities. “We don’t have the big support programs and farm safety net programs that other commodities do, we want robust funding…