Policy Articles
Seeking New Markets
Published May 13, 2020
Minnesota State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson said efforts are being taken to deal with the displaced hog supply. Some hogs are being diverted to small meat processing plants, but Thompson said those plants are generally booked out into fall and…Omnibus Ag Bill Moves to the Senate
Published May 13, 2020
With a 132-to-1 vote, the Minnesota House has approved the omnibus agriculture policy bill. This includes a $5 million appropriation for the soybean processing and research campus at Crookston. The bill creates a farm safety outreach program and there are…House Democrats Release COVID-19 Relief Bill
Published May 12, 2020
House Democrats have unveiled a phase four COVID-19 relief package. The bill is called the HEROES Act. Included in the $3 trillion bill are additional funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, market-ready livestock and poultry loss assistance, supplemental Dairy…MFBF Update
Published May 12, 2020
The logistics seen in the food chain have certainly been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Associate Director of Public Policy Josie Lonetti has more in this MFBF Update.NPPC Calls for Federal Response
Published May 12, 2020
The National Pork Producers Council is seeking immediate federal assistance to deal with a financial disaster due to COVID-19. Even with plants opening up, the NPPC estimates up to 10 million hogs will have no place to go over the…Biofuels Sector Asking for Federal Assistance
Published May 12, 2020
The biofuel industry has sent a letter to congressional leadership seeking COVID-19 relief. The letter was signed by 11 groups, including Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and ethanol trade associations. More than 130…Acreage Reporting Deadline Impacted by COVID-19
Published May 12, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic is resulting in challenges for acreage reporting for the 2020 crop year. The Farm Service Agency sent a notice to state and county offices, waiving the late-filing procedures for 30 days after the May 15th acreage reporting…Trade Skirmish Cranks Up Between China and Australia
Published May 12, 2020
China has suspending beef imports from four major Australian beef packers. This is the latest volley in a trade spat between the two countries. In early May, China proposed an 80 percent tariff on Australian barley shipments. The dispute began…Senators Ask USDA for Producer Indemnity Support
Published May 11, 2020
A bipartisan group of senators are asking the USDA to help pork producers forced to depopulate herds in the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter, the lawmakers request indemnity funds for the immediate crisis. Pork producers typically send more than two…