Policy Articles
H-2A Wage Rates Announced
Published December 18, 2023
The Labor Department has completed its annual update for the mandated wages for H-2A workers. Effective January 1, the average hourly wage is $18.50 per hour in Minnesota and $18.32 per hour in North Dakota and South Dakota. That’s above…NDFU Meets in Bismarck
Published December 18, 2023
North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne is hearing concerns from members about what is happening in the insurance sector. “Premiums are probably going up and it’s industry wide,” said Watne. “That comes with the fact that we’re having very…Looking for Farm Bill Leverage
Published December 18, 2023
Many farm groups are hoping Congress will pass the new farm bill in the first half of 2024. "I'm not sure we're going to get it done even by September by next year, but I'm more optimistic by the end…New IRS Guidance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Published December 18, 2023
The Treasury Department will use the so-called GREET model as it allocates tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel. This is the first step in the process and has the potential to be big news for renewable fuels made from soybeans…Canada Makes Push for EVs
Published December 18, 2023
The Canadian government is expected to announce its new Electric Vehicle Availability Standard this week. This rule would require all of the vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emissions by 2035. The Toronto Star reports the regulations will mandate 20…Congress Works on Border/Ukraine Aid Before Holiday Recess
Published December 18, 2023
Congressional negotiators worked throughout the weekend to find a compromise on border security and new money for Ukraine, but were unsuccessful. House Speaker Mike Johnson wants the two issues to be linked. Both parties are divided on immigration policy and…No Change for Interest Rates
Published December 18, 2023
The Federal Open Market Committee held its key interest rate unchanged for the third consecutive meeting. A statement issued after the 19-member policy committee meeting said inflation has eased over the past year but remains elevated. The benchmark interest rate…MFU Minute
Published December 17, 2023
The next Minnesota legislative session is set to begin February 12th. MFU Government Relations Director Stu Lourey highlights what the organization is looking forward to in the latest MFU Minute.MFBF Minute
Published December 17, 2023
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation was part of the American Farm Bureau Federation resolutions meeting this past week. Hear from MFBF Director of Public Policy Pierce Bennett in this week’s MFBF Minute.