Policy Articles
Hoeven, Tester Ask USDA to Advance Disaster Aid
Published December 20, 2021
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven and Montana Senator Jon Tester are urging USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie to expedite agricultural disaster assistance. In September, Congress approved $9.25 billion for WHIP+, including $750 million specifically for livestock producers. The lawmakers spoke to…Ocean Carriers Asked to Help Container Issue
Published December 17, 2021
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack are asking the world’s leading ocean carriers to help mitigate ag export disruptions. Ocean carriers are making fewer containers available for U.S. ag commodities, changing return dates and charging unfair fees.…National Potato Council Meets with Prince Edward Island Delegation
Published December 17, 2021
On Thursday, the National Potato Council met with Prince Edward Island’s Premier Dennis King in Washington, D.C. to discuss safely restoring potato trade. A potato wart outbreak in the Canadian Province put a halt on fresh potato exports in the…Operation Open Road Launched
Published December 17, 2021
Governors from 15 states have launched an effort to assist the trucking industry called Operation Open Road. The states will reduce regulations and adjust hours-of-service restrictions. These governors are also asking the Biden administration to lower the age for commercial…EPA Releases 2022 Agenda
Published December 17, 2021
The Environmental Protection Agency released its unified agenda for the year ahead. The agency plans to release plans for the 2023 renewable volume obligations under the RFS by May and complete the rule one year from now. Canola oil is…Vilsack Stumps for Build Back Better Plan in Wisconsin
Published December 17, 2021
Due to the impasse within the Democratic caucus in the Senate, the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better proposal is on life support. While negotiations were happening on Capitol Hill, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was on a Wisconsin dairy farm Thursday…Keeping U.S. Wheat Competitive
Published December 16, 2021
Eighteen U.S. Senators sent a letter this week to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai asking them to pursue a WTO case against India’s domestic support of wheat production. The letter says American farmers are operating…Senators Write the Fed, Asking to Address Regulatory Burdens
Published December 16, 2021
Year-over-year inflation is at its highest level in 40 years. Republican Senators sent a letter to the Federal Reserve and Farm Credit institutions to highlight the impact high inflation and higher input costs have on agriculture. The lawmakers ask for…Cattle Industry Issues Will Get Attention at AFBF Meeting
Published December 16, 2021
Farm Bureau presidents met this past week in Washington D.C., discussing resolutions ahead of the American Farm Bureau Convention. AFBF Vice-President Scott VanderWal says the cattle markets continue to be a tough issue. "Some people think we need to do…