Policy Articles
WOTUS Challenged by Ag Groups
Published January 20, 2023
The American Farm Bureau Federation has filed a legal challenge to the EPA’s new Waters of the United States rule, joining 17 other agriculture, housing and infrastructure organizations filing suit. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says the new WOTUS rule…A Quiet Start
Published January 20, 2023
South Dakota Soybean Growers Association President Kevin Deinert says the early days of the legislative session have been quiet. "There's a lot of bills and legislation still being formulated," said Deinert. "There are a few things like landowner rights we…NDSU Extension Takes Spotlight at Capitol
Published January 19, 2023
The North Dakota House Appropriations Committee met this past week to discuss House Bill 1020. State Board of Agriculture Research and Education Chair Sarah Lovas testified about Extension and research priorities. "Number one is the need for field lab facilities…North Dakota Legislative Report
Published January 19, 2023
The early days of the session have been "like drinking out of a fire hose." In this week's North Dakota Legislative Report, NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt says it has been busy with numerous bills dropping. One of the…Efforts Underway to Update Organic Program
Published January 19, 2023
USDA is making changes to strengthen the enforcement of its National Organic Program. The proposal calls for improved farm-to-market traceability and greater insight over imports.Burgum Disappointed in WOTUS Decision
Published January 19, 2023
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is calling on the Biden administration to withdraw its final Water of the U.S. Rule, warning that the Obama-era regulations will result in more confusion and red tape. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring concurred,…RRFN Interview: Governor Tim Walz
Published January 18, 2023
In an interview with Red River Farm Network, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the expanding utilization of biofuels. “We’ll have internal combustion engines on the road for decades, my goal is to make sure more of that fuel is coming…SD Grain Buyer Bill Tabled
Published January 18, 2023
A bill was introduced in the South Dakota Legislature that would require grain buyers to report any alleged financial wrongdoing. After numerous discussions with the grain industry, Public Utilities Commission Commissioner Chris Nelson said they want the regulatory agency to…Vulnerable Groundwater Map Released
Published January 18, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has released its interactive vulnerable groundwater map. Much of northwest Minnesota is excluded due to the climate. The application of nitrogen fertilizer on cropland in the fall or on frozen soils is restricted in vulnerable…