Policy Articles
MN Leadership Reaches Budget Agreement, Special Session Still Needed
Published May 17, 2021
Today, Governor Walz, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced a bipartisan budget agreement. The much-anticipated global agreement is coming on the day the state legislature is scheduled to end. A special session will still be…California Clean Cars Initiative a Hurdle in MN Legislature
Published May 17, 2021
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Joe Smentek says the California Clean Cars Initiative has been a hurdle in getting much done in the Minnesota Legislature. Senate Republicans believe the State Legislature, not the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, should be…Heartburn Felt Over Canada’s Dairy TRQ
Published May 17, 2021
Nearly 70 dairy companies and associations are urging the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office to initiate a dispute settlement case with Canada over its dairy tariff-rate quota system. The United States, Canada and Mexico are meeting today and tomorrow to discuss…Seeking Urgency on USTR Ag Ambassador Post
Published May 16, 2021
Farm groups are ready to hear who will fill the role of the chief agriculture negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. More than 60 agriculture groups including the North Dakota Grain Growers Association, Minnesota Milk Producers Association…Bronaugh Confirmed
Published May 14, 2021
With a voice vote, the Senate has confirmed Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to be the deputy secretary of agriculture. Bronaugh is the first woman of color to serve as the Number Two person at USDA. Most recently, Bronaugh was the agriculture…Ag Coalition Expresses Concern on Tax Proposals
Published May 13, 2021
A coalition of more than 40 farm groups, including the American Sugar Alliance, is voicing concern about President Biden’s tax proposal. In a letter to congressional leadership, the groups emphasized the need for the current estate tax exclusion limits and…Carbon Offsets Available Through Farmers Edge
Published May 13, 2021
Farmers Edge is making its Smart Carbon program available in key North American markets. This effort “gives farmers and their trusted advisors a 360-degree view of their carbon footprint with data from soil to sale.” The Winnipeg-based Farmers Edge says…USTR Addresses Ag Trade Barriers in Senate Hearing
Published May 12, 2021
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai answered trade questions from the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow expressed concerns about the sanitary and phytosanitary barriers for ag exports. "We address these concerns by engaging," said Tai.…Tax Proposals Seen as a Threat
Published May 12, 2021
A coalition of more than 40 farm groups is voicing concern about President Biden’s tax proposal. In a letter to congressional leadership, these groups emphasized the need for the current estate tax exclusion limits and stepped-up basis. A continuation of…