Policy Articles
MN Omnibus Ag Finance Committee Waiting on Budget Targets
Published May 11, 2021
The Minnesota Conference Committee on Omnibus Ag and Broadband Finance is meeting again this week. On Monday, two policy provisions were adopted, but the committee still doesn’t have a budget target. Minnesota Senate Ag Committee Chairman Torrey Westrom does not…USDA Opens SHIPP Enrollment
Published May 11, 2021
Sign-up is underway until mid-July for USDA’s Soil Health and Income Protection Program. This is a pilot program that is being made available in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Montana. SHIPP pays farmers to take their most unprofitable…Bumblebee Species Under ESA Review
Published May 11, 2021
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting a one-year status assessment for a specific type of bumblebee in North Dakota, South Dakota and eight other states. The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned for this review, saying action is needed…UM Researchers Blame Agriculture for Air Pollution Deaths
Published May 11, 2021
A new study from the University of Minnesota may raise some eyebrows in farm country. This research claims poor air quality due to U.S. farm production results in an estimated 16,000 deaths each year. Eighty percent of those deaths are…Tax Bill Being Closely Watched in MN Conference Committee
Published May 10, 2021
Minnesota lawmakers are in the final weeks of the state legislative session. As conference committee work continues this week, Minnesota Agri-Growth Council Lobbyist Cory Bennett says the tax bill is being closely monitored. "The tax bill will be dependent on…Global Budget Targets Unknown for MN Legislature
Published May 10, 2021
Minnesota lawmakers missed their Friday deadline to reach an agreement on global budget targets. Division remains between Republicans and Democrats on issues like tax increases. It is unclear at this time the exact path forward for the omnibus agriculture finance…MN to Adopt California’s Clean Cars Rule
Published May 10, 2021
An administrative law judge has given the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency the green light to implement the California Clean Car standard. The Walz Administration will now review this plan to adopt California’s strict emissions standards. Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association President…MN Ag Finance Bill Expected to Make Strides
Published May 10, 2021
Minnesota lawmakers have one week to go before the legislative session is scheduled to adjourn. It's also the second week of conference committee work. The Conference Committee on Omnibus Ag/Broadband Finance met four times last week and will meet again…Taking the Next Step in Bronaugh Confirmation Process
Published May 10, 2021
The Senate Agriculture Committee is scheduled to vote on the nomination of Jewel Bronaugh to be the deputy secretary of agriculture late this afternoon. Bronaugh is the Virginia agriculture commissioner. In the past, Bronaugh was the executive director of the…