Policy Articles
Trump Discusses Reopening of Packing Plants
Published April 30, 2020
President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue spoke with farm leaders and meat company executives Wednesday. The phone conversation centered on the use of the Defense Production Act to reopen meatpacking plants. Trump referenced that…Packing Plants, COOL and More Addressed in MFU Webinar
Published April 29, 2020
Minnesota Farmers Union hosted a webinar to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic with its members. One portion of the webinar focused on supply chain challenges. "With the large meat packing plants shutting down, it really shows the insecurity of our food…Rounds: Executive Order Helps Food Supply Chain
Published April 29, 2020
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds is pleased with the decision to reopen meat processing plants. "We've got producers who have had to euthanize livestock. We have about 35 percent of our pork processing capabilities in an idle position and 25…USDA Rejects Proposed Change to Federal Orders
Published April 29, 2020
USDA has rejected a request for an emergency hearing for a temporary increase in the Class I milk price. Major dairy processors proposed a minimum $15.68 Class I milk price in June, July and August. Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator Bruce…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…