Policy Articles
Three Factors Influence Farm Bill Outcomes
Published March 2, 2022
The Russell Group President Randy Russell says the farm bill is typically driven by three factors. It is the state of the farm economy when the bill is written, the budget situation and political dynamics. Russell says the farm economy…Senate Ag Committee to Start Farm Bill Review in Spring
Published March 2, 2022
Farm bill discussions are happening on Capitol Hill. The first week of March, the House Agriculture Committee reviewed the commodities title in the 2018 Farm Bill. On the Senate side, it will be a few more weeks before the agriculture…Stay Engaged
Published March 2, 2022
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew is urging his members to keep the pressure on Washington. "We are certainly pushing hard on the concentration issue, whether it is in meat markets or input costs," said Larew. "That plus we continue…Fighting Consolidation in Agriculture
Published March 2, 2022
According to Minnesota Farmers Union Vice President Anne Schwagerl, more competition is needed throughout agriculture. "The drum that we're banging the loudest right now is fighting consolidation in agriculture," Schwagerl told RRFN. "From meat processing to fertilizer and seed, it…Sundin Isn’t Running in ’22
Published March 2, 2022
Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Sundin is not seeking reelection. Sundin is from Esko in northeastern Minnesota and is serving is fifth term in the legislature.NFU Delegates Pass Special Orders of Business
Published March 2, 2022
The National Farmers Union convention wrapped up with the passage of five special orders of business. That list includes the need for a fair, open and competitive marketplace; efforts to address the supply chain challenges and climate change. The Farmers…Market Competition in Ag Highlighted in State of Union
Published March 2, 2022
In President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address, the speech focused on Russia-Ukraine, infrastructure and the economy. Biden also briefly talked about competition in agriculture. "Small businesses and family farmers and ranchers. I need not tell our Republican…South Dakota Budget Approved
Published March 2, 2022
The South Dakota legislative session ends today. South Dakota Farm Bureau State Public Policy Director Matthew Bogue says there was an unprecedented budget request this year. "We had over $1 billion in one-time spending. To put that in perspective, our…The U.S. Will Hold Mexico Accountable for Fresh Potato Access
Published March 1, 2022
The U.S. potato industry is facing roadblocks working with Mexico to expand fresh market access. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Kevin Shea met virtually with potato growers to discuss the situation at the Washington Summit. "We want…