Policy Articles
MN Corn Matters
Published April 22, 2020
The recently announced CARES Act includes funding for farmers. Minnesota Corn Growers Association Senior Public Policy Director Amanda Bilek has more in the latest MN Corn Matters.Unusual Times Continue for U.S. Ethanol Industry
Published April 22, 2020
Renewable Fuels Association chief economist Scott Richman says the recent oil market decline is a sign of these unusual times. "It's reflective of the demand destruction for transportation fuels," says Richman. "It's hard to get supply and demand in balance."…PPP Funds Won’t Last Long
Published April 22, 2020
Congress is at work on replenishing funds for the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program. Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose says the $310 billion in the bill will not go far. "The expectation around that is…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…