Policy Articles
Trump Signs Executive Order for Meat Processing Plants
Published April 28, 2020
On Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order to keep meat processing plants open during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the executive order, processing facilities are considered critical infrastructure under the Defense Production Act. The USDA said more details would be…MFBF Update
Published April 28, 2020
The Small Business Administration is accepting loans from the Paycheck Protection Program. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Director Amber Glaeser has more in the MFBF Update.Petersen Confirmed
Published April 28, 2020
Thom Petersen has been confirmed by the Minnesota State Senate as the state agriculture commissioner. Before joining the Walz administration, Petersen was the government relations director for the Minnesota Farmers Union.U.S. Cattle Industry is Waiting on Further Assistance Details
Published April 27, 2020
Cattle producers are slated to receive $5.1 billion of the $9.6 billion in USDA direct payments for the livestock industry. However, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Senior Policy Analyst Jess Peterson says the industry is waiting on specific details. "The Department of…SDFB Offering COVID-19 Resources
Published April 27, 2020
Right now, farmers and ranchers navigating uncharted territory with COVID-19. That’s why agricultural organizations, like the South Dakota Farm Bureau, have created a new set of resources. Executive Director Krystil Smit says a coronavirus page and new video series is…More Funds Needed for Farmers and Ranchers in COVID-19
Published April 27, 2020
USDA is still working on a rule for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Pro Farmer Washington policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer says the $19 billion for the program isn’t going to be enough for farmers and ranchers. "You don't have to…Euthanasia Situation to Accelerate This Week
Published April 27, 2020
With closed plants and a growing backlog of hogs, depopulation has begun for Minnesota’s swine herd and will accelerate this week. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has resources available on euthanasia and carcass disposal on its website. Indemnity payments are…Petition Drive Underway for Mandatory COOL
Published April 27, 2020
R-CALF USA has launched a petition urging President Trump and Congress to immediately pass mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, pork and dairy products. Within the first 30 hours, the petition received 26,000 signatures. R-CALF says the labeling law is needed…U.S. Ready to Implement the USMCA
Published April 26, 2020
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notified Congress on Friday that the U.S. - Mexico - Canada Agreement would be ready for implementation on July 1. This is the final step necessary for the USMCA to take effect. Read more.