Policy Articles
MFBF Update
Published April 21, 2020
There is additional coronavirus relief coming for farmers and ranchers. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap shares more details in the latest MFBF Update.New Waters of the United States Rule in Federal Register
Published April 21, 2020
Language replacing the Waters of the United States rule is now in the Federal Register. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule excludes streams that only contain water during or after a rainfall, most farm ditches and converted cropland. Environmental groups are…Rules for COVID-19 Aid Still Being Written
Published April 21, 2020
The coronavirus relief package for agriculture includes a payment limit of $125,000 per commodity and $250,000 per individual or entity. That cap is causing heartburn throughout farm country. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says…Unknowns Remain on USDA’s COVID-19 Direct Payments
Published April 20, 2020
A large portion of the USDA’s coronavirus aid includes $16 billion in direct payments for farmers and ranchers. Combest, Sell and Associates managing partner Tom Sell says more details are needed for the calculations of the direct payments. "What we…Noem Signs Executive Order for SD Pork Producers
Published April 20, 2020
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order to help the state’s pork producers during the coronavirus. "With packing plants shutting down across the country and in our region, farmer's options are very limited. The executive order will give…Rural Perspectives
Published April 20, 2020
USDA has released plans for the COVID-19 assistance package for farmers and ranchers. While agriculture is waiting on the specific details, the big picture items have been laid out. AgCountry FCS Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Howard…MN Lawmakers Press Forward in Last Month of Session
Published April 20, 2020
There's one month left for the Minnesota Legislative session. Minnesota House Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Division chair Jeanne Poppe says for the next few weeks, there’s going to be work on agricultural policy and agricultural finance bills. "We…More CCC Funds Become Available in July
Published April 20, 2020
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program is partially funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation. The CCC will be receiving another $14 billion in July and those funds could be available for more coronavirus relief. "I was able to appropriate about $23.5…Ag Secretary Perdue Outlines More Details of COVID-19 Aid
Published April 20, 2020
According to the USDA, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program is open to farmers and ranchers regardless of size or market outlet if they suffered an eligible loss. "We also looked ahead to help provide additional assistance with costs and disruption…