Policy Articles
AGI Changes May Make More Farmers Eligible for CFAP and MFP Payments
Published August 17, 2020
The Farm Service Agency has made changes in the way it calculates a farmer’s adjusted gross income. USDA’s approach on certain farm wages and dividends has changed. As a result, more farmers may qualify for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and…Pickup Sticker Price Goes Up if MN Adopts California Rule
Published August 17, 2020
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is proposing to adopt California’s vehicle emissions standards. Minnesota Auto Dealers Association President Scott Lambert says the standards will be made by the California Air Resources Board. Rather than going through the legislative process, this rule…ND FSA Welcomes More Time to Implement Programs
Published August 14, 2020
The delay in the fourth COVID-19 relief package is giving county Farm Service Agency offices more time to work on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. "We're thinking just hold off on another program until we can check the box on…Hoeven and Northey Discuss Options For ND Farmers
Published August 14, 2020
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven and USDA Undersecretary Bill Northey have discussed the financial challenges facing farmers and ranchers. Hoeven urged Northey to utilize the $14 billion in CCC funding and the remaining Coronavirus Food Assistance Program money to help…Lawmakers Ask U.S. Government to Enforce USMCA Dairy Provisions
Published August 13, 2020
On Thursday, a bipartisan coalition of House lawmakers sent a letter to the U.S. government urging them to enforce provisions in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council are showing support for the effort.…Lawmakers Oppose Additional Fertilizer Import Tariffs
Published August 13, 2020
The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled imports of cheap phosphate fertilizer from Russia and Morocco are likely harming U.S. fertilizer manufacturers, allowing countervailing duties to be implemented. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and seven other Republican Senators sent a letter to…MFU Minute
Published August 12, 2020
Not much was expected out of the third special session of the Minnesota Legislature. Get the details from Minnesota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Stu Lourey in the MFU Minute.Advisory Committee Reviews Dietary Guidelines
Published August 12, 2020
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is taking testimony on proposed changes. The National Milk Producers Federation was pleased dairy remains its own category and does not allow the inclusion of plant-based drinks or foods. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said…MFBF Leader on the Ballot
Published August 12, 2020
Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap is one of two remaining candidates for the Blue Earth County Board. Paap received 34 percent of the vote, leading the way among the five primary candidates. Good Thunder hog farmer Paul FitzSimmons tallied…