Policy Articles
Imports Threaten US Red Meat Markets
Published December 17, 2023
R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America has sent a petition to the U.S. International Trade Commission requesting a global safeguard investigation for the sheep industry. R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard says over 70 percent of lamb and mutton consumed in the…Farm Bill Vote Complicated by Busy Congressional Schedule
Published December 17, 2023
With a full congressional calendar and the continuing resolution for agriculture appropriations expiring in mid-January, James Callan Associates President Jim Callan says it will be a challenge for lawmakers to meet that deadline. The appropriations process has been divided into…MFBF Increases Influence at National Level
Published December 17, 2023
Minnesota will have a formidable role in the policy process at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting. "Due to our membership growth this year we will actually have three voting delegates and three alternates," said Carolyn Olson, vice president,…Ag is Playing Defense
Published December 16, 2023
With the metro-rural split in the Minnesota Legislature, agricultural lobbyist Bruce Kleven believes agriculture will be playing defense in the 2024 legislative session. "A lot of things got done in the ag world this year with the increase in the ag…Whole Milk Bill Advances
Published December 14, 2023
Congress has passed legislation allowing schools to serve whole milk. That’s in addition to the two percent milk that is now available. This bill now moves to the Senate where it has bipartisan support.USDA to Begin Issuing Pandemic Assistance
Published December 13, 2023
USDA has announced plans to issue more than $223 million in Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program payments. This money is to help farmers and ranchers who suffered a drop in gross revenues due to COVID-19 in 2020. The application process wrapped…COP28 Deal Includes a Move Away From Fossil Fuels
Published December 13, 2023
Nearly 200 governments participating in the United Nations Climate Conference in Dubai have agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. The goal is net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This is the first time a UN climate agreement called for…Ag Pushes Back on Potential Trade War
Published December 13, 2023
Members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party have issued a report on U.S.-China relations. According to Politico, farm-state lawmakers were able to reduce the most critical language about China. The concern is China would retaliate against…Crop Nutrition Consolidation a Concern
Published December 13, 2023
Concentration within the meatpacking business has been the crosshairs for many years. A bill is now being introduced in the Senate asking USDA to investigate possible anticompetitive activity within the fertilizer industry. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and Wisconsin Senator Tammy…