Policy Articles
Action in Both Chambers for MN Drought Relief
Published March 13, 2022
The Minnesota House has overwhelmingly passed a drought assistance bill that includes support for agriculture and DNR projects. An agriculture-only version moved through the Minnesota Senate Agriculture Committee. It provides $6.5 million for livestock and specialty crop grants and $1.5…WHIP+ Timeline Discussed
Published March 12, 2022
USDA’s Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux joined the National Association of Wheat Growers for a Q&A session at the Commodity Classic. Minnesota Wheat Growers President Mike Gunderson asked Ducheneaux about the timeline…Bonnie Meets with ND Corn Growers at Commodity Classic
Published March 12, 2022
Ahead of Corn Congress at the Commodity Classic, all state corn groups heard from USDA appointees. The North Dakota Corn Growers Association got an update from USDA Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie. Vice President Andrew Mauch…Corn Growers Approve Resolution to Increase Reference Prices
Published March 12, 2022
Resolutions on ethanol, competitive markets and reference prices were considered during Corn Congress at the Commodity Classic. South Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director DaNita Murray says a resolution by the Minnesota Corn Gowers Association and SDCGA passed. This joint…Vilsack Addresses the Commodity Classic
Published March 12, 2022
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is calling for "a circular economy" with more opportunities for agriculture at home. Vilsack told the Commodity Classic that begins with trade. "It's fair to say the trade war with China impacted the market and we…G7 Ag Ministers Discuss Ukraine
Published March 12, 2022
Before Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s address at Commodity Classic on Friday, he joined the other G7 agriculture ministers virtually to discuss Ukraine. "We had a chance to hear from the Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Leshchenko. He was obviously in a bunker,…MN Bill Banning Use of Plastic-Coated Pesticides Introduced
Published March 11, 2022
A bill banning the sale and use of pesticides and fertilizers coated in plastic was introduced in the Minnesota House by South St. Paul Representative Rick Hansen. Hansen says the plastic coating remains are harmful to the environment. "Healthy soils…American-Made Ethanol is a Solution
Published March 11, 2022
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar have introduced legislation for year-round E15 use. American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says the only hurdle standing in the way of bringing down gas prices is political in nature.…$145 Billion in Disaster Losses in ’21
Published March 10, 2022
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports 2021 was the third-costliest disaster year in history. North Dakota suffered the biggest economic hit with over $2.4 billion in losses. The bulk of that was due to drought damage. Analysis from American…