Policy Articles
WOTUS Debate Includes a Promise From EPA Administrator
Published April 29, 2021
EPA Administrator Michael Regan promises agriculture will be at the table when the Biden Administration reviews the Waters of the U.S. rule. "I pledge to engage with our agricultural community; I pledge to work with USDA and Secretary Vilsack," said…An Update on the Quality Loss Adjustment Payment Timeline
Published April 29, 2021
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven and other members of the Senate Agriculture Committee met with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack on Tuesday. Climate-smart agriculture and other topics were on the agenda. Vilsack gave an update on the Quality Loss Adjustment payment…U.S. Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Small Refinery Exemptions
Published April 29, 2021
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments from the EPA, biofuels industry groups and oil refiners on the use of small refinery exemptions. The oil industry argues it's in compliance to allow small refineries to petition for an exemption at anytime.…USDA Defends American Families Plan
Published April 29, 2021
USDA has released a statement, touting the benefits of the Biden Administration’s American Families Plan. This plan calls for the elimination of stepped-up basis. However, the Agriculture Department said this change won’t affect family farmers if the farm stays in…Biden: “We Will Defend American Interests”
Published April 29, 2021
In his address to Congress, President Joe Biden said every country should play by the same rules in a global economy. U.S. agriculture’s Number One export customer, China, was given special attention. "In my discussions with President Xi, I told…USDA Clarifies American Families’ Tax Impact for Farmers
Published April 29, 2021
USDA has released a statement, touting the benefits of the Biden Administration’s American Families Plan. This plan calls for the elimination of stepped-up basis. However, the Agriculture Department said this change won’t affect family farmers if the farm stays in…NDSU Extension and Ag Research Budget Bill Passes Both Chambers
Published April 28, 2021
The NDSU Extension and Agriculture Research budget bill has passed both chambers of the North Dakota legislature. Now, Senate Bill 2020 awaits Governor Doug Burgum’s signature. The legislation fully restores the governor’s recommend cuts for NDSU Extension, the Research Extension…A Decade-Old Discussion is Settled
Published April 28, 2021
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has signed Senate Bill 2144 allowing for electronic posting of private land. The legislation also enhances criminal trespass protection for landowners on fenced property. This decade-old private property rights debate has failed to pass through…Discrimination Lawsuit Filed on Latest Round of COVID Relief
Published April 28, 2021
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller filed a complaint earlier this week against a socially disadvantaged farmer proposal included in President Biden’s latest round of COVID relief. The lawsuit argues USDA is actively and resentfully discriminating against Americans based on race.…