Policy Articles
Agriculture Awaits Details of COVID-19 Direct Payment Program
Published May 11, 2020
The agriculture industry is awaiting USDA’s publication of the final rule for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says the rule moved to the Office of Management and Budget last week. There’s been lots of…Commodity Purchases for Food Banks to Begin Soon
Published May 11, 2020
President Donald Trump was on Twitter this weekend, saying USDA will begin purchases of agricultural commodities for food banks early this week. Trump referenced the $3 billion USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program. Trump tagged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue…Phase One Discussions Continue
Published May 11, 2020
Despite tensions over the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. and Chinese trade officials have agreed to continue to cooperate on the phase one trade agreement. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met by phone with China Vice Premier…Seeking FEMA Help for Livestock Sector
Published May 11, 2020
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson is urging the Trump Administration to determine how FEMA can help farmers depopulate and dispose of livestock due to the closure and slowdown at meatpacking plants. Lawmakers from Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois and…Lawmakers Considering More COVID-19 Help for Farmers and Ranchers
Published May 11, 2020
Congressional lawmakers are starting to focus on the next economic stimulus package. South Dakota Senator John Thune said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson is working on something to help farmers and ranchers, but Thune wouldn’t give specifics. "It's innovative.…Attorney Generals, Ag Organizations Support Federal Investigation of the Beef Market
Published May 9, 2020
Attorney generals from 11 states, along with agricultural organizations and Congressional members, are calling for a federal investigation into the beef market. "There is great diversity between the price of finished cattle coming out of feedyards and going to packers…USDA COVID-19 Food Distribution Program Begins Soon
Published May 8, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved $1.2 billion in contracts through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. This is part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The food box program will purchase up to $3 billion in fresh…Budget Challenge for MN Legislature
Published May 8, 2020
When the Minnesota legislative session began in February, there was a projected budget surplus of $1.5 billion. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Tax revenues and the economic slowdown along with additional spending now means a projected deficit of $2.4 billion.…Booker Renews Effort to Ban Large Livestock Farms
Published May 8, 2020
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is calling for a ban on large livestock operations by the year 2040. Another former presidential candidate, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, is co-sponsoring the bill. The proposal phases out concentrated animal feeding operations over the…