Policy Articles
Appeals Court Allows Ag Coalition Intervention Over Wolves
Published August 25, 2022
A coalition of agricultural groups will be allowed to intervene is the legal battle over the delisting of the gray wolf from the endangered species list. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned a lower court ruling.…Local, Incentive-Based Conservation
Published August 25, 2022
One-third of the sales tax revenue from Minnesota’s Legacy Fund is allocated to water quality. Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Conservation Districts Executive Director LeAnn Buck says decisions are being made at the local level. "Whether its the…Flexibility Advocated by FSA Administrator
Published August 25, 2022
Applications are going out to more than 18,000 farmers for Phase One of the Emergency Relief Program. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said that will include the Supplemental Coverage Option and STAX payments that were not part of the…Flat Tax Proposed
Published August 25, 2022
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is proposing a switch from the state’s individual income tax rates to a lower flat rate. The plan will be considered during the 2023 legislative session.Still Waiting on Confirmation of Key Trade Positions
Published August 25, 2022
The nominee for the chief agriculture negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Doug McKalip, met with the Senate Finance Committee in early June. South Dakota Senator John Thune says on September 7 the committee is expected to…Big Picture Trade Agenda Under Construction
Published August 24, 2022
Trade is not seen as a top priority for the Biden administration. In a panel discussion at the Midwest Ag Export Summit, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Foreign Ag Services, Jason Hafemeister, said the big picture agenda for trade is…Midwest Policy Center Under Consideration
Published August 24, 2022
National farm policy often goes through farm policy centers, like Texas A&M or the Food and Policy Agricultural Research Institute at the University of Missouri. Midwest Council on Agriculture President Howard Olson says a similar effort is being considered for…New Money Needed for ’23 Farm Bill
Published August 24, 2022
Since the 2018 farm bill was enacted, the federal government has spent an additional $60 billion on ad hoc programs, like the Market Facilitation Program, pandemic assistance and disaster relief. Combest, Sell and Associates Managing Partner Tom Sell says none…Influencing Farm Policy
Published August 24, 2022
The Midwest Council on Agriculture was formed one year ago to help shape farm policy. Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson is leading this effort. "It's needed because you just can't operate the way you used to," said Peterson.…