Policy Articles
Second MN Special Session of 2020 Begins Today
Published July 13, 2020
Another special session of the Minnesota Legislature begins today in St. Paul. On Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz made the announcement. expressing optimism for addressing police reform and a bonding bill. This will be the second special session of 2020.House Appropriations Committee Advances Ag Spending
Published July 10, 2020
The House Appropriations Committee reviewed and approved the fiscal year 2021 agriculture appropriations bill on Thursday. The bill includes funding for rural broadband, nutrition programs and COVID-19 related efforts for farmers and ranchers. The bill will now be considered by…Helping Hand Sought for Cattle Producers
Published July 10, 2020
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is pleased with the current Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, but want more help from the federal government. NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera says additional support is needed for those sectors that…New Proposal Would Slow Down Line Speeds at Packing Plants
Published July 10, 2020
A bill has been introduced in Congress that would regulate line speeds for packing plants. The lawmakers introducing this proposal saying it is designed to protect workers, animals and consumers. A broad coalition of groups are supporting the bill, including…MN Corn Matters
Published July 8, 2020
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association continues to stay involved in discussions surrounding the clean car standards. MCGA Past President Brian Thalmann has more in this edition of Corn Matters.Ag Barometer Improves for June
Published July 8, 2020
Farmer attitudes improved in June for the second straight month, but the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer found farmer sentiments far short of what was seen before the coronavirus pandemic. Purdue Extension Economist Jim Mintert said farmers remain worried…R-CALF Seeks Termination of Beef Checkoff
Published July 8, 2020
R-CALF USA has a petition drive underway, requesting a referendum on the beef checkoff program. Approximately 88,000 signatures are needed. Eligible cattle producers can sign the electronic petition over the next year. R-CALF is a longtime critic of the beef…Trump Touts Trade
Published July 7, 2020
For the second time in the last ten months, President Donald Trump has delivered comments exclusively to members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Trump shared thoughts on COVID-19 assistance, regulatory relief and market access. Trump also touted the…RMA Announces Quality Loss Option
Published July 7, 2020
The Risk Management Agency has announced changes to the crop insurance program, including a new Quality Loss Option. With this option, farmers can pre-quality production amounts for their annual production histories. That increases the actual yield for individual crop years.…