Policy Articles
Carbon-Free by ’40
Published February 3, 2023
Minnesota is on the path for 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2040. The bill passed with a one-vote margin in the state senate. They House passed a similar bill last week. If signed by Governor Walz, Minnesota utility companies must…Johnson, Finstad Appointed Subcommittee Chairs
Published February 3, 2023
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘G.T.’ Thompson has named his subcommittee chairs. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson will lead the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets and Rural Development Subcommittee. Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad is leading the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture…Noxious Weed Bill Heard in St. Paul
Published February 3, 2023
The Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee is working on a bill, delivering $1 million per year for county ag inspectors. This bill takes a proactive approach to controlling noxious weed control. The amended version of the bill was…Former Minnesota Senator Passes
Published February 3, 2023
Former Minnesota Senator Dave Durenberger, 88, passed away at his home Tuesday. Durenberger served in the U.S. Senate from 1979-to-1995.EWG Database Described as ‘Misleading’
Published February 2, 2023
The Environmental Working Group's so-called Farm Subsidy Database has been highlighting farm program payments since 1995. Rather than releasing the names of all farmers receiving payments, USDA now lists the lender. AgCountry Farm Credit Services President and CEO Marc Knisely…More Aggressive Approach Expected With China
Published February 1, 2023
With the Air Force declaring Fufeng USA a national security threat, the proposed Grand Forks project will likely not happen. In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer said Fufeng has become “a flashpoint,”…Fewer Bills Being Introduced in Pierre
Published February 1, 2023
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem proposed legislation a month ago to restrict foreign ownership of agricultural land. The bill was introduced this past week. Outside of that, South Dakota Farmers Union lobbyist Mitch Richter says it has been a relatively…Reference Price Increase Dependent on Financial Resources
Published February 1, 2023
Budget resources are expected to be limited going into the farm bill debate. At the same time, the economics have changed in farming and ranching. South Dakota Senator John Thune said agriculture is asking for an increase in reference prices.…EWG Highlights Lenders in Latest Farm Payment Database
Published February 1, 2023
The Environmental Working Group is out with its latest farm subsidy database. Rather than releasing the names of farmers receiving government payments, USDA is now releasing the name of the bank or financial institution financing the farm’s operating loan. EWG…