Policy Articles
Stranz Returns to NFU
Published January 9, 2020
Mike Stranz is the new policy director for the National Farmers Union. Stranz has been part of the farm commodities and risk management subcommittee staff for the House Agriculture Committee.USMCA Movement in Senate Depends on Impeachment
Published January 9, 2020
Multiple committees will be reviewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement before it comes up for a vote in the Senate. South Dakota Senator John Thune tells the Red River Farm Network altogether seven committees will mark up the USMCA implementing legislation. The…Waiting for Details
Published January 9, 2020
With the phase one trade agreement, China will purchase an additional $32 billion in U.S. agricultural products over the next two years. NDSU Extension Crops Economist Frayne Olson says it is unclear what happens after those first two years. "We…Walz Issues Disaster Assistance for Five MN Counties
Published January 9, 2020
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has authorized state disaster assistance five counties that sustained heavy rains and flooding from September 20 to October 17, 2019. The funds will aid in recovery efforts for Carlton, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall and…USMCA Moves Through Senate Finance Committee
Published January 7, 2020
On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee moved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement implementing legislation out of committee on a 25-3 vote. During the markup, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts said reliable markets are needed in farm country. "If we aren't leading…NASDA Announces Policy Priorities
Published January 7, 2020
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture board of directors has identified policy priorities for the year ahead. NASDA plans to focus on international markets, workforce development, food safety and hemp production rules. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring…Hoeven: Third Tranche of MFP Payments Could Be on Horizon
Published January 6, 2020
There is likely to be a third tranche of Market Facilitation Program payments in January 2020. "We're working with the Farm Service Agency to make sure they get the third and final payment out in a timely manner," said North…Taking The Next Step in Addressing Quality Changes
Published January 6, 2020
In late December, North Dakota farm groups met for a roundtable discussion with state agricultural leaders and Senator John Hoeven. In the meeting, participants expressed the need to address quality challenges in crop insurance. One takeaway was scheduling a follow-up…USMCA Vote Possible This Week
Published January 6, 2020
The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to take up the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement Tuesday. Approval by the full Senate was expected to happen after the impeachment process, but White House trade advisor Peter Navarro said a vote could take place by…