Policy Articles
One for the Record Books
Published December 23, 2019
South Dakota Corn CEO Lisa Richardson says this past year is one for the record books; Mother Nature brought more moisture to the state than ever before. "We had lots of moisture in September, an unprecedented amount. We are hoping…A Big Week for Ag Policy
Published December 23, 2019
The week before Christmas was a big one for agricultural policy. Syngenta Senior Lead for Federal Government Relations Mary Kay Thatcher says the House passing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a big deal. "It appears the implementing legislation will start in…Biodiesel Tax Credit Reinstated and Extended to 2022
Published December 20, 2019
Also included in the approved funding package are biodiesel tax extenders. The agreed-on package retroactively reinstates the biofuel producer credit, a special allowance for 2018 and 2019 and extend it through 2020. The biodiesel tax credit was also reinstated for…Perdue: USMCA Critical to Rural America’s Success
Published December 20, 2019
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is pleased the House brought the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to a vote and urges quick passage in the Senate. Perdue said this trade deal with two of our largest trading partners is critical to the success of…Sugar Cooperatives Now Have Access to WHIP Plus Program
Published December 20, 2019
In the recently approved agriculture appropriations bill, eligible sugar cooperatives have access to the WHIP plus program. Local sugarbeet cooperatives were seeking access following a tough harvest that left many sugarbeets in the ground. In a statement, American Crystal Sugar…From USMCA to the China Trade Deal
Published December 20, 2019
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson is pleased to have the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement near the finish line. With the House vote done, Peterson said "we can work on getting this China mess straightened out; that's another can of worms, but…House Approves USMCA
Published December 20, 2019
House lawmakers approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement implementing legislation on Thursday on a vote of 385-to-41. In a press conference ahead of the vote, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the enforcement piece of the agreement is important. "We've made giant progress over…Senate Approves 2020 Fiscal Year Budget
Published December 20, 2019
The Senate approved a 2020 fiscal year budget on Thursday, sending a $1.43 trillion spending bill to President Trump, avoiding a government shutdown. The 2,300-page deal includes 13 appropriation bills.Skor: RFS Integrity Needs Restored
Published December 19, 2019
Integrity is restored to the Renewable Fuel Standard only if the EPA accurately accounts for the small refinery exemptions granted. That’s according to Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "All eyes will now be on the EPA's next round of small…