Policy Articles
Chinese COVID Shutdowns Prompt Protests
Published November 28, 2022
Thousands of protesters have gone to the streets in China, demonstrating against the government’s strict COVID policies. The protests are happening in at least 16 major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. Protesters are calling for Chinese President Xi Jinping to…Lame Duck Agenda
Published November 28, 2022
Congress is back at work this week for the lame duck session. Lawmakers will need to vote on a continuing resolution or pass a funding bill for the year by December 16. Congress may also be asked to intervene in…Proposition 12 Update
Published November 27, 2022
Litigation is still in the works for California’s Proposition 12. National Pork Producers Council Chief Legal Strategist Michael Formica says Prop 12 is simply government overreach. "California is asserting the right to regulate all operations outside of California. Pork producers…Clock Extended for Packers and Stockyards Act
Published November 27, 2022
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association secured 100 bipartisan signatures on a congressional letter sent to the USDA requesting an extension of the comment period of the Packers and Stockyards Act last month. NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymor says…Protecting Livestock Interests in the Farm Bill
Published November 27, 2022
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane expects to see changes in the farm bill process. "Voluntary conservation programs and risk management tools will change the dynamics on how programs will roll out." Tight margins in…The Safety Net is NAWG’s Priority
Published November 27, 2022
National Association of Wheat Growers Vice President Brent Shane says crop insurance is top priority going into farm bill discussions. The high input costs are also a concern. "Fuel, fertilizer, transportation costs, and parts are higher; I can't think of…White House Monitors Rail Negotiations
Published November 25, 2022
The Biden Administration is keeping an eye on the contract negotiations between Class I railroads and a dozen unions. During a Thanksgiving Day press gaggle, President Joe Biden was asked if he has gotten involved personally. "I have not directly…WTO Seeks Solution to Global Hunger
Published November 25, 2022
The World Trade Organization’s agriculture committee is working on a strategy to address hunger, especially in the least developed countries. Future discussions will center on market access, financing food purchases and the strength of farm production worldwide. Specific policies were…Trade Trip to Madrid
Published November 24, 2022
Beginning Tuesday, USDA is leading a trade mission to Spain. Officials from 11 state agriculture departments, including Minnesota and North Dakota, will be on the trip. Numerous companies and organizations will be represented, including JM Grain of Garrison, North Dakota,…