Policy Articles
Chinese Authorities Crack Down on GMO Production/Research
Published February 9, 2021
The Chinese agriculture ministry has identified eight companies that illegally produced or studied biotech seeds. The seed corn was confiscated and the companies were fined. China does not allow the planting or production of GMO seeds.Ag Not Included in Proposed COVID Bill
Published February 9, 2021
The new $2 trillion coronavirus package does not include any significant assistance for agriculture. There is one provision to provide assistance to minority farms, focused primarily on Black, Hispanic and Native American colleges and universities.Corn Comments
Published February 8, 2021
Currently, over 450 bills have been filed in the South Dakota Legislative Session. Learn more in the latest Corn Comments program, a production of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.ND House Ag Committee Moves Ag Innovation Fund Bill Forward
Published February 8, 2021
The North Dakota House Agriculture Committee heard a bill considering the ag innovation fund on Friday. North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne testified at the hearing. "We got a pass out of the committee in support. The bill will…Both Sides of the Beef Bill Story
Published February 8, 2021
A bill introduced in the North Dakota House would makes changes to dollars allocated to the state Beef Checkoff Program. "I was initially asked to introduce the legislation by a lone constituent," said Representative Sebastian Ertelt during a House Agriculture…Vilsack Addresses Cattle Market Fairness in Confirmation Hearing
Published February 8, 2021
South Dakota Senator John Thune was the final Senate Agriculture Committee member to ask questions during Tuesday’s hearing for Ag Secretary Nominee Tom Vilsack. Thune asked about cattle market investigations. "We are going to look at every vehicle we have…SD Farm Bureau Health Benefit Plan Moves Forward, Additional Bills Monitored
Published February 8, 2021
A bill allowing South Dakota Farm Bureau to provide a health benefit plan to members passed the Senate on Wednesday. Farm Bureau state lobbyist Michael Held says this plan isn’t considered insurance. "It would be a full wide range of…Senators Send Renewable Fuels Standard Letter to EPA
Published February 8, 2021
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley wrote a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency’s acting administrator highlighting the need to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Senators want the EPA to review small refinery waivers,…Sugarbeet Growers Consider Climate Risks to Agriculture
Published February 8, 2021
During the American Sugarbeet Growers Association's annual meeting, attendees considered how climate risks impact agriculture’s future. "This is about understanding the evidence in front of us, the observations we have and putting the pieces together," said Bill Hohenstein, director, USDA…