Policy Articles
ERP Round II Concerns
Published January 27, 2023
Round II of the Emergency Relief Program has been announced, but the plan for determining qualification will be much different. Rather than payments based on crop insurance data, total farm income will be the determining factor. Combest Sell and Associates…Carbon-Free by 2040
Published January 27, 2023
With a party-line vote, the Minnesota House voted for the state to generate electricity from 100 percent carbon-free sources by 2040. Majority Leader Jamie Long said climate change needs to be addressed. "We also know that it's having more serious impacts…North Dakota Legislative Report
Published January 27, 2023
With the expansion of the soybean crush business, an agriculture coalition was created a year ago to help grow animal agriculture in the state. In this week's North Dakota Legislative Report, comments from Thursday's House Agriculture Committee are featured. HB…Seeking More Competition
Published January 27, 2023
South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson has reintroduced two bills to increase competition in the cattle packing business. This proposal allows for the financing of cooperative stock for producer-owned processing facilities and establishes a grant program to assist with new construction…Tax Fairness Act Introduced
Published January 27, 2023
Four Democratic members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, including Minnesota Senator Tina Smith, have introduced a bill to remove the tax liability for distressed farm borrowers that are at financial risk. The proposal also addresses financial assistance for black farmers…Correction
Published January 27, 2023
In last week's edition of FarmNetNews, there was a story about soybean reference prices with an inaccurate acreage number. The story should read 30 million acres of soybeans were grown last year that were not covered by ARC and PLC.MCGA Focuses on Educating Legislative Leaders
Published January 26, 2023
Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Richard Syverson says educating new legislators is a top priority. "We've had a lot of work to do just with education. Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam…Putnam Appreciates Walz Budget Plan for Agriculture
Published January 26, 2023
Minnesota lawmakers are scrutinizing all aspects of the governor’s budget proposal. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam like what he is seeing in the agriculture budget. "One of the things I've heard from a lot of farmers in the budget is…HB 1436 Seeks Changes in ND Beef Checkoff
Published January 26, 2023
Two bills dealing with the makeup of the North Dakota Beef Commission dominated the House Agriculture Committee schedule Thursday. Sioux County rancher Frank Tomec testified in favor of a bill that would open up the state beef checkoff program to…