Policy Articles
A Proposed Streamlining for Fertilizer Licensing
Published March 5, 2023
The North Dakota Senate Agriculture Committee delivered a ‘do pass’ recommendation for a bill to streamline the process for licensing anhydrous ammonia facilities. According to State Pesticide and Fertilizer Division Director Eric Delzer, counties currently need to approve a license…Checkoff Reform Bill Criticized
Published March 3, 2023
Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would reform agricultural checkoff programs. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says this bill has popped up in the last few years. "It's driven by members of Congress that are…Meat Processing Bill Advances
Published March 3, 2023
The Minnesota House Agriculture Committee is considering an addition to the state agriculture department staff. This individual will act a liaison between MDA and small meatpackers. Representative Nathan Nelson is sponsoring the bill. "If you're starting a new business model or…Thune Wants U.S.-UK Trade Deal
Published March 3, 2023
South Dakota Senator John Thune is calling on the Biden Administration to initiate a trade agreement with the United Kingdom. In addition to opening new markets for U.S. agriculture, Thune says this effort would strengthen the economic relationship and strategic…Pushback
Published March 3, 2023
Legislation proposed to form a grain indemnity fund for Minnesota garnered support from ag organizations, farmers, and the state agriculture department. Minnesota Grain and Feed Association Executive Director Laura Lemke spoke in opposition of the bill, saying there are new…Protection From Grain Elevator Failures
Published March 3, 2023
Minnesota State Senator Rob Kupec introduced legislation to create a grain indemnity fund for farmers affected by grain elevator failures. According to Kupec, Minnesota is one of the few states in the Upper Midwest that does not yet have a…Biden Appoints Ford to Trade Council
Published March 2, 2023
Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford has been appointed to the President’s Export Council. Ford is one of 25 people selected for this advisory group.USDA Acknowledges ‘the Wrongs of the Past’
Published March 1, 2023
The Agriculture Department is preparing to distribute $2.2 billion to farmers who faced discrimination from USDA farm lending programs. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said he hopes people see this as an indication of USDA’s sincere effort "to acknowledge the past…NCBA Adds Barnett to DC Staff
Published March 1, 2023
Rebecca Barnett has joined the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as its director of animal health and food safety policy. Most recently, Barnett was the associate director of public policy for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.