Policy Articles
Water Quality Seen as a Legislative Priority
Published April 2, 2024
Minnesota Senate Ag Committee Chair Aric Putnam is seeing concern from farmers about soil quality and water quality across the state. "That's the whole state, not just the Karst region," said Putnam. "I know we've been talking a lot about…Conservative Caucus Calls for Farm Bill Cuts
Published April 2, 2024
The Republican Study Committee has released its farm bill budget targets for Fiscal Year 2025. The conservative congressional group is proposing the elimination of the sugar and dairy programs. The proposal would cut the crop insurance premium subsidy by 14…Adjustments Sought in DMC Calculation
Published March 29, 2024
USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage triggers a payment for participating farmers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price falls below a certain level. DMC was triggered in 11 of the 12 months in 2023. Associated Milk…Endangered Species Act Restrictions Restored
Published March 29, 2024
The Biden Administration has made changes to the Endangered Species Act, repealing language that was added during the Trump years. Biden reinstates blanket rule protections for species listed as threatened and stops any consideration of the economic impact of listing…China Challenges U.S. EV Tax Credits
Published March 29, 2024
China has begun a World Trade Organization dispute with the United States over the use of tax credits to promote the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy projects. China claims the tax credits created under the Inflation Reduction Act…Veg or Grain?
Published March 29, 2024
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is reportedly considering changes to food groups, including the reclassification of potatoes as a grain. USDA has responded, saying this advisory committee does not have the authority to make that change. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group…Incentives Favored to Address Nitrate Contamination
Published March 28, 2024
The Minnesota legislative session is at the halfway point. The topic of nitrates in groundwater, especially in southeastern Minnesota, has dominated the conversation in the agriculture and environment committees. Minnesota Farm Bureau Public Policy Director Pierce Bennett emphasizes farmers have…Funeral Services Wednesday for Former MN Lawmaker
Published March 28, 2024
Former Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Chair Howard Swenson, 93, died on March 24. Funeral services will be held Wednesday. Swenson farmed at Nicollet. Swenson received the Meritorious Service Award from the Minnesota Holstein Association, the Breeder of the Year award…Waiting for EPA’s Decision on GREET Model
Published March 27, 2024
Ethanol remains a priority for the ag sector and newly-elected North Dakota Corn Utilization Council Chairman Carson Klosterman said sustainable aviation fuel and E15 markets are a major focus. "The biggest obstacle now with the Council is the GREET model.…