Policy Articles
Trying to Fix Emergency Relief Program Hiccups
Published June 29, 2022
The USDA knows there were a few hiccups in the implementation of the Emergency Relief Program. "The AGI-related issues, we're looking to the flexibility in the regulations for that," said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator, Farm Service Agency. "Some of the tax…Cattle Groups Differ on Court Decision
Published June 29, 2022
R-CALF USA has issued a statement following the Supreme Court’s denial of its lawsuit challenging the mandatory beef checkoff. R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard said the organization is disappointed, but grateful for the reforms made to the program. Meanwhile, National Cattlemen’s…Food Insecurity Gets G-7 Response
Published June 28, 2022
The Group of Seven nations plan to contribute $4.5 billion to address global food security. More than half of that total will come from the United States. The G-7 leaders met in Austria to discuss the Russian-Ukraine war and the…Reform Sought for Conservation Programs
Published June 27, 2022
Former USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach believes federal conservation programs should be reformed for climate considerations. At this point, conservation programs, like carbon sequestration programs, aren’t taking into account previous farming practices. "Farmers that are first adopters have already started to do…ND Farmers Union Host Farm Bill Listening Sessions
Published June 27, 2022
The North Dakota Farmers Union is hosting a series of farm bill listening sessions. NDFU President Mark Watne says farmers are concerned about the dollars available for the baseline for the next farm bill. "They hope to have the baseline…Biofuels Continue to Use A lot of Soybean Oil
Published June 27, 2022
Biofuels may become the largest use of soybean oil in the next few years, beating out the food and feed segment and exports. That’s according to an analysis from Agricultural Economics Insight economist David Widmar. In 2014 and 2015, biofuels…USDA Under Secretary Comes to North Dakota
Published June 27, 2022
USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small is in North Dakota today. The USDA official will be at the North Dakota Farmers Union with Senator John Hoeven for a roundtable discussion on meat processing and cattle market competition…Taking Feedback on ’23 Farm Bill
Published June 27, 2022
The House Agriculture Committee held the first in a series of farm bill listening session in Arizona over the weekend. Illinois Representative Cheri Bustos chaired the field hearing and said there was one priority in her district. "The #1 thing…Minnesota Drought Relief Applications Open Up
Published June 27, 2022
With applications for drought relief now open, information is available to help farmers with the process. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson says, "The information is right on the front page of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website," said Minnesota Ag…