Policy Articles
Vilsack Warns About GOP Budget Cuts
Published April 16, 2024
In an address to the North American Agricultural Journalists, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack warned about the farm bill budget cuts that are being promoted by the Republican Study Committee. A report from this conservative House group said farmers with income…SD Corn Comments
Published April 15, 2024
A recent study highlighted a recent report that showed the fertilizer market was highly concentrated. South Dakota Corn Executive Director DaNita Murray highlighted details of the report in this week's South Dakota Corn Comments.Document Your Losses
Published April 15, 2024
As of Friday, Bovine Influenza A Virus has been confirmed in dairy cattle in eight states. That list includes one dairy herd from South Dakota. "I suspect we will some," said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. "We may have it…A Big Week in the MN Legislature
Published April 15, 2024
The omnibus finance and appropriation bills face a Friday deadline. One of the big issues facing agriculture during this session is water quality. Cory Bennett, who lobbies on behalf of a handful of farm groups, said these proposals are focused…E15 Waiver Sought for Summer Driving Season
Published April 15, 2024
A bipartisan group of senators has called on the Environmental Protection Agency to allow the sale of E15 fuel during the summer driving season. Similar waivers were granted in the past two years. The lawmakers signing this letter included both…Seeking Market Access for Table Stock Potatoes
Published April 15, 2024
In conjunction with the Japanese prime minister's visit to the United States, a bipartisan group of lawmakers renewed the call for Japan to open its market to fresh U.S. potatoes. Japan has blocked market access for U.S. fresh potatoes for…MSGA: Another Appeal is Likely
Published April 11, 2024
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association was one of the organizations challenging the waiver of California's zero-emissions standard. MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek was not surprised by the ruling. Another appeal is likely. "The big group of petitioners is going to meet soon…Farm Income Forecast
Published April 11, 2024
Farm income is expected to remain under pressure this year. "It's still slightly above what would be the longer-term average," said Ty Kreitman, associate economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "This is primarily driven by lower commodity prices." Kreitman…No Impact on Crop Insurance Program
Published April 11, 2024
Crop insurance shouldn’t be impacted by the National Ag Statistics Service decision to drop county data collection. "We no longer use that data for crop insurance," said Rich Morrison, vice president of farm services, NAU Country. "About three years ago,…