Policy Articles
DMC Enrollment Deadline Extended
Published December 14, 2019
USDA has extended the deadline for farmers to sign up for Dairy Margin Coverage for 2020. The new deadline is December 20. USDA says it made the extension due to delayed harvest, which has made it difficult for farmers to…MN Corn Matters
Published December 13, 2019
The latest movement of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is being welcomed by National Corn Growers Association board member Harold Wolle. Hear more in Corn Matters, a weekly update from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.Lobbyist Transition is Going Well for NDGGA
Published December 13, 2019
Immediate past president of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association (NDGGA) Jeff Mertz says the organization has had very good access keeping North Dakota wheat grower priorities in front of lawmakers. "We were part of the National Association of Wheat…Trying to Help Farmers Get Through to 2020
Published December 13, 2019
During the general session of the Prairie Grains Conference, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen told attendees the Department of Agriculture is working to help farmers get through tough times. "We hope to have an announcement on the Secretarial Disaster Designation…Hiring Process Challenges County USDA Offices
Published December 13, 2019
County level USDA offices are understaffed. According to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, getting new people in the roles is challenging the agency. "We need people. We're looking to hire people. Today, with 3.5 percent unemployment, people aren't going to wait…Don’t Expect Annual MFP Payments, Says Perdue
Published December 13, 2019
Speaking at the Farmers Business Network Farmer2Farmer event in Omaha, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said farmers should not count on additional trade assistance next year. "My advice to farmers every year is to look at the market and make their…Cost Share Funds Available for Feed Transportation
Published December 13, 2019
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring have announced a new emergency cost-share program to defray feed transportation costs. The state emergency commission unanimously approved $250,000 for the program. Farmers and ranchers who can verify feed losses…2020 Elections May Overshadow MN Legislative Session
Published December 12, 2019
The Minnesota Legislature will have a shortened session, with lawmakers gathering in St. Paul in mid-February. Agricultural lobbyist Bruce Kleven says the 2020 election will influence the statewide elections. "I think we will have a big election year with Trump…Gordon Moves into Leadership Role for ASA
Published December 12, 2019
Worthington, Minnesota farmer Bill Gordon is the new president of the American Soybean Association. In the 100th year anniversary of ASA, Gordon is proud to be the sixth Minnesotan to serve in this role. "It brings a real spotlight to…