Policy Articles
SD Farmers Union Adopts Three Special Orders at Convention
Published December 20, 2021
There were three special orders of business adopted during the South Dakota Farmers Union annual meeting. These include addressing the cattle and beef industry crisis, Medicaid expansion and a resolution for a co-op bylaw change. "Co-ops need to make sure…‘Not Ready for Prime Time’
Published December 20, 2021
That's how South Dakota Senator John Thune describes the Build Back Better Act. The Congressional Budget Office scored the cost of the proposal this past week. "It's a $5 trillion bill and it wasn't ready for prime time." Thune said…School Lunch Program Receives Funds to Address Supply Chain Crisis
Published December 20, 2021
USDA is providing up to $1.5 billion to help the school lunch program deal with supply chain disruptions. There is also a new Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program to encourage the use of local foods with an emphasis…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…