Policy Articles
Farmers Still Waiting for Part of WHIP+ Funds
Published September 14, 2020
It’s been one year since the launch of the WHIP+ program, a disaster aid program to help farmers navigate the tough conditions of 2018 and 2019. Farmers who submitted applications in the Northern Plains are still waiting for some money.…EPA Will Deny Retroactive Small Refinery Exemptions
Published September 14, 2020
On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency said they would deny retroactive small refinery exemptions, the so-called “gap-filling” petitions for the 2011-18 compliance years. "If the EPA will denies the retroactive exemptions, that's very good news for the ethanol industry and…National Farmers Union Begins Virtual Fly-In
Published September 14, 2020
The National Farmers Union begins their virtual Fly-In event today. The event begins with a USDA briefing with appearances from Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue. On Tuesday, attendees will hear from lawmakers including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Agriculture Committee Chairman…Without More COVID-19 Relief, Parts of Ag Industries Could Be Lost
Published September 14, 2020
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson says the Senate not being able to pass a skinny COVID-19 relief package isn’t the end of the world. "Some of the spending that was proposed is questionable," says Peterson. "The only thing I…ND Grain Growers Association Mini E-Tour Begins Today
Published September 14, 2020
The North Dakota Grain Growers Association is hosting a Mini E-Tour this week. The event is usually held in June, but NDGGA Executive Director Dan Wogsland said the COVID-19 pandemic changed plans. "Generally, we bring folks from Washington D.C. and…Yields Can be Updated Through the End of the Month
Published September 14, 2020
Farm owners have until the end of September to update their yields for the Price Loss Coverage program. Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce says the last time farmers could update those yields was in 2014. "It's worth the landowner's…U.S. Ambassador Branstad to Retire
Published September 14, 2020
U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad will be retiring from his position in early October. According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Bejing, Branstad confirmed the decision with President Trump last week. Branstad said he’s proudest of…Trump Tweets E15 Provision Over Weekend
Published September 13, 2020
President Trump tweeted over the weekend the ethanol industry would be allowed to use the 10 percent ethanol pumps for the 15 percent blend. The decision is subject to state approval. In response, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst tweeted this was…Smaller COVID-19 Relief Bill Fails in the Senate on Thursday
Published September 13, 2020
The U.S. Senate could not pass a skinny version of the COVID-19 relief package on Thursday. Senate Democrats blocked the measure due to the cost. The bill had 52 votes in favor, but 47 opposed the bill. The proposal needed…