Policy Articles
USDA Still Has Money to Spend on Producer’s COVID-19 Aid
Published August 22, 2020
American Farm Bureau Federation economist Michael Nepveux reviewed the latest data on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program sign-up in a virtual panel discussion at Dakotafest. "CFAP payments going out the door have actually been slow. In early August, only 43…Trump Takes Responsibility for Canceled Trade Talks
Published August 19, 2020
During an event in Arizona, President Trump said he’s responsible for canceling this past weekend’s trade talks with China. Trump voiced his frustration with China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying he doesn’t want to deal with them right now.…MFBF Update
Published August 18, 2020
Farmers still have time to sign up for the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Get the details from Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Director of Public Policy Amber Glaeser in the MFBF Update.Farmers & Ranchers for Trump Committee Formed
Published August 18, 2020
The Trump reelection campaign has named the members of Farmers and Ranchers for Trump. This committee is chaired by Charles Herbster, who is a Nebraska cattleman and CEO of the Conklin Company. Numerous state agriculture commissioners, including North Dakota Agriculture…Rural America 2020 Announces MN Steering Committee
Published August 18, 2020
The Democrats have launched a new campaign to educate and activate rural voters. Six states have formed a grassroots steering committee. In Minnesota, former Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson is the chair. Committee members include former state FSA director Grant Herfindahl,…USDA May Not Spend All CFAP Money
Published August 17, 2020
Only about $7 billion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funding had been spent as of last week. Combest, Sell and Associates managing partner Tom Sell says even with the remaining 20 percent of funds sent out, the USDA may…Vilsack: U.S. Dairy Needs Canada to Comply with USMCA
Published August 17, 2020
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement requires Canada to eliminate their class six and seven milk pricing systems and to have a fair dairy tariff rate quota. The U.S. dairy industry says Canada is currently limiting access to their dairy market, filling quotas…MN Lawmakers Meet for Short Special Session
Published August 17, 2020
Minnesota lawmakers convened for the third special session of 2020 last week. Not much work was done on the tax bill, Section 179 conformity or a bonding bill. As long as Governor Walz maintains emergency powers for the COVID-19 pandemic,…ND Farm Groups Make Another Plea for Haying/Grazing Flexibility
Published August 17, 2020
North Dakota agriculture groups have made another request to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, seeking the ability for haying and grazing on prevented plant acres before November 1. The backlog in livestock numbers and a large number of PP acres in…