Policy Articles
Senators Denounce Anti-competitive Practices in the Cattle Markets
Published July 29, 2021
The Senate Judiciary Committee isn’t usually hearing about supply and demand, marketing agreements or the economics of beef production. That was the case Wednesday when lawmakers learned about cattle markets and consolidation in the beef industry. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley…Beef Supply Chain Issues Highlighted on Capitol Hill
Published July 29, 2021
The fire at the Holcomb, Kansas packing plant, the JBS cyberattack and COVID-19 resulted in a historic spread between live animal prices and retail meat prices. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday, saying…Jacobs-Young Nominated for USDA Research Under Secretary
Published July 28, 2021
President Biden has nominated Chavonda Jacobs-Young as the nominee for the Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics at the USDA. Jacobs-Young is the administrator of the USDA’s Ag Research Service. She previously served as a senior policy analyst for…Boozman Supports WHIP+ Extension
Published July 28, 2021
Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman issued a statement of support following the passage of the WHIP+ extension bill in the House Ag Committee. Boozman said lawmakers need to explore all viable opportunities to reach producers who have been…Senators Seek Audience with President Biden on Biofuels
Published July 28, 2021
South Dakota Senators John Thune, Mike Rounds and others sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday, requesting a biofuels meeting. In the letter, the senators note the lack of biofuels in the administration’s energy, environmental and transportation agenda. The…Lawmakers Want Permanent Fix to Haying CRP Acres
Published July 28, 2021
The USDA did not approve the haying of Conservation Reserve Program acres during primary nesting season this year. Farmers and ranchers in the Dakotas and Minnesota were asking for the flexibility due to the drought. Now, a bipartisan group of…Goule Expects Strong Support on WHIP+ Revamp in Senate
Published July 28, 2021
There hasn’t been much action on a 2020 and 2021 WHIP+ program in the Senate. National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule says the Senate is more focused on infrastructure and climate. "As soon as WHIP+ heads that direction,…WHIP+ Extension Passes House Ag Committee
Published July 28, 2021
The House Agriculture Committee marked up the $8.5 billion 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act on Tuesday. The bill covers 2020 and 2021 disasters and includes all causes of loss from the previous WHIP+ program, expanding on the drought. Minnesota Congresswoman Angie…Dairy Industry Represented at USMCA Hearing
Published July 28, 2021
The U.S. dairy industry has had some heartburn with Canada’s dairy tariff quotas and Mexican regulations designed to limit imports. Idaho dairy farmer Allan Huttema addressed the need for enforcement of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement during testimony before the Senate Finance…