Policy Articles
U.S. Custom Harvesters Concerned About Ag Labor Needs
Published January 28, 2021
President Biden’s executive order banning travel from South Africa is causing a headache for U.S. Custom Harvesters Incorporated. Board member Ryan Haffner says it would be devastating for custom harvesters if workers are not allowed into the U.S. "In worst…American Sugarbeet Growers Association to Hold Virtual Meeting
Published January 28, 2021
The American Sugarbeet Growers Association will have a virtual annual meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. The event will feature key congressional lawmakers like Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow and North Dakota Senator John Hoeven. Attendees will also hear from…Infrastructure Bonding Proposals Capture Attention in ND Legislature
Published January 28, 2021
Infrastructure bonding proposals are being considered in the North Dakota Legislature. Representative Jared Hagert says there are a multitude of different proposals. "The governor's proposal is at $1.25 billion, there's another proposal for $2 billion and one that started in…Biofuels Supporters Respond to More Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Published January 28, 2021
President Biden wants to build more electric vehicle charging infrastructure. If that happens, it could speed up a decline in gasoline consumption, challenging the biofuels industry. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor addressed the importance of promoting biofuels during the Iowa…MN House Ag Committee Reviews Farmer-Lender Mediation Bill
Published January 28, 2021
The Minnesota House Ag Committee met Monday to consider House File 80, legislation proposing an extension for the farmer-lender mediation period of an additional 60 days. University of Minnesota Extension Statewide Mediation Coordinator Mary Nell Preisler showed support for the…Climate Change Executive Order Highlights Agriculture
Published January 28, 2021
President Biden issued an executive order on climate change, which includes three areas of focus for agriculture. First, it sets a goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and oceans by 2030 while launching a process for stakeholder engagement for…House Ag Committee Reviews MDA Budget
Published January 28, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture proposed budget is less than one-half of one percent of the entire state budget. Appearing before the Minnesota House Agriculture Committee, Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen emphasized the state has 68,000 farms generating $112 billion in…USDA Suspends Past-Due Debt Collections
Published January 28, 2021
Due to the pandemic, the Farm Service Agency is temporarily suspending past-due debt collections and foreclosures for farmers utilizing the Farm Storage Facility Loan and Direct Farm Loan programs. In addition, USDA has extended the deadline for loan deferrals and…Conaway Graves Group Launches
Published January 28, 2021
Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway and his former chief of staff, Scott Graves, are forming the Conaway Graves Group. This will be an advocacy and reputation management firm, assisting clients with issue monitoring, strategic communication and association management.