Policy Articles
85 Years of Experience No Longer at the Table
Published November 4, 2020
According to The Russell Group President Randy Russell, the agriculture community is losing significant experience from the agriculture committees. "(Kansas Senator) Pat Roberts was in office for 40 years and was the only person to serve as both the House…One Thing is Certain After the Election
Published November 4, 2020
There will be new leadership for the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. With Representative Collin Peterson’s loss, the chairmanship for the House Agriculture Committee is up for grabs. The ranking member on committee, Texas Congressman Michael Conaway, did not seek…Smith Returns to Washington
Published November 4, 2020
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith held off Republican challenger Jason Lewis in her bid for reelection. Smith was appointed in 2018 when Senator Al Franken stepped down and won a special election later that year to finish out Franken’s term. Smith…Aggies Victorious in State/Local Races
Published November 4, 2020
Farm leaders from across the region performed well in the election. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap narrowly won a seat on the Blue Earth County Commissioners. Former United Soybean Board Chairman Jared Hagert of Emerado was elected to the…Ag Economy Barometer Sets All-Time High in October
Published November 3, 2020
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer set an all-time high in October, fueled by the optimism of the future and current financial situation for farms. An early fall rally in commodity prices combined with government payments and decent yields…Biden: Trade, Infrastructure and Climate Change
Published November 2, 2020
Agriculture priorities for Vice President Joe Biden’s administration would include an improvement in trade relations, infrastructure and climate change. "The focus will be on expanding global markets and using our agricultural products in ways that can advance manufacturing," said former…Trump: Regulatory Reform and Trade
Published November 2, 2020
Ahead of Election Day, State Representative Mike Brandenburg is grateful for the regulatory reform, trade deals and aid that came during the Trump administration. "A lot of these (ag assistance) payments came about because farmers need to show a black…Chinese Tariffs on Aussie Barley Will Continue
Published November 2, 2020
China has rejected an attempt by Australia to end a significant tariff on barley exports. China imposed an 80 percent tariff this past May. Australia asked China for a formal review of the issue in August and that application was…Atrazine Lawsuit Filed
Published November 2, 2020
The Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Food Safety are suing the Environmental Protection Agency over its recent approval of atrazine. The EPA reapproved atrazine in September. In its lawsuit, the activist groups claim the agency failed to…