Policy Articles
Shutdown Avoided
Published March 1, 2024
Congress approved a temporary stopgap spending bill Thursday to avoid a government shutdown. The House passed the bill Thursday afternoon on a 320-to-99 vote. The vote margin was 77-to-13 in the Senate. The continuing resolutions extends funding until March 8…A Boost for Conservation
Published February 29, 2024
With the current focus on climate-smart agriculture, Strathcona, Minnesota farmer Jim Kukowski believes it is important for long-time conservation practices to be rewarded. That's now starting to happen in some of the carbon management incentive programs. "The way it started…Crop Insurance Vs Ad Hoc Disaster Programs
Published February 29, 2024
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth wants to protect and enhance crop insurance in the new farm bill. "We all know that the ad-hoc programs don't always work very well for farmers," said Worth. "We need to have it done…The Next Step for Ethanol
Published February 29, 2024
Ethanol changed the landscape for agriculture with the passage of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005. National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle sees sustainable aviation fuel as the next step. For that to happen, climate-smart methodology needs to change. "We…Ag Industry Squeezed by Regulation
Published February 29, 2024
The farm bill remains a primary concern for the American Soybean Association. "Something that is just as important is the pesticide regulations and other things, like the Endangered Species Act enforcement coming out of EPA," said Josh Gackle, president, ASA.…The ROI Makes Sense
Published February 29, 2024
Kelly Garrett raises crops and cattle in west-central Iowa. Garrett is a believer in regenerative agriculture and partners with Truterra carbon program."They are a very credible source being backed by Land O'Lakes so the economics of the program for growers…Buffer Bill Significantly Increases Penalty
Published February 28, 2024
A bill moving through the Minnesota House would dramatically increase the penalties for violation of the state buffer law. Failing to plant vegetation on land bordering water would rocket from $500 to $10,000. The Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources…“Let This Market Work”
Published February 28, 2024
The EPA has approved 8 Midwest governors’ petitions to approve year-round sales of E15, including Minnesota and South Dakota. An emergency waiver will be needed for this summer. “Let’s just let this market work,” said Minnesota Corn Growers Association board…The WOTUS Legal Battle Continues
Published February 28, 2024
The attorneys general for 24 states have asked the federal court in North Dakota to vacate the Biden Administration’s updated Waters of the United States rule. In a separate filing, the states and industry groups claim the EPA and Army…