Policy Articles
Moffitt Nominated for USDA Marketing Under Secretary
Published April 27, 2021
President Biden plans to nominate Jennifer Moffitt as the USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Moffitt currently serves as the Undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. In a statement, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said with…MN Loses No Congressional Seats
Published April 27, 2021
Despite fears to the contrary, Minnesota will not lose a congressional seat in the next election. Minnesota’s Seventh District, now represented by Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, is expected to cover a larger geography, but the seat will not be lost. With…Tonsager Moves From NAWG to Ag Committee Staff
Published April 27, 2021
House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott has announced additions to the committee staff. Josh Tonsager will serve as the subcommittee staff director for general commodities and risk management. Most recently, the South Dakota native was the vice president of policy…What Does the 30 x 30 Goal Mean for Agriculture?
Published April 26, 2021
Earlier this year, President Biden issued an executive order to conserve at least 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, known as the 30x30 goal. The American Farm Bureau Federation sent a letter to the president last week asking…Seeking Common Sense Solutions for Climate Smart Ag
Published April 26, 2021
The Growing Climate Solutions Act moved out of the Senate Agriculture Committee last week. Agriculture lobbyist Jim Callan says there is bipartisan support for the bill, but the exact path forward is not clear at this time. "Will it be…MN House Passes Omnibus Tax Bill
Published April 26, 2021
The Minnesota House passed the omnibus tax bill. Representative Paul Marquart says this bill does three things for farmers including an expansion of the beginning farmer program, updates for homestead qualification and fixes to Section 179 depreciation. "Beginning this tax…MN Ethanol Boost Featured in House Omnibus Ag Finance Bill
Published April 26, 2021
The omnibus ag finance bill passed the Minnesota House. Minnesota Corn Growers Association Public Policy Director Amanda Bilek says the bill would boost ethanol blends. "In the House agriculture omnibus finance bill is $2 million per year in funding proposed…ND Lawmakers Work on Securing More Infrastructure Dollars
Published April 26, 2021
An effort to secure at least $30 million for rural roads and infrastructure is still in the works this North Dakota Legislative Session. Senator Terry Wanzek says the funding is attached to the Office of Management and Budget bill. "The…A Time for Compromise
Published April 26, 2021
Lawmakers are expected to wrap up the North Dakota legislative session early this week. A compromise has been made on a tile drainage bill. Landowners are exempt from reporting if the project is less than 80 acres in size and…