Policy Articles
Minnesota Cattle Producers Spend Time on Capitol Hill
Published April 4, 2019
Members of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association board were in Washington D.C. this past week as part of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Legislative Conference. Barnesville, Minnesota farmer Jake Thompson joined a roundtable discussion at the Department of Interior. "We…Walz Highlights Gas Tax and Healthcare During MN State of State
Published April 4, 2019
During his first state of the state address, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz focused on education, the gas tax and infrastructure. The importance of healthcare was also highlighted. Walz shared stories of Minnesotans, including Lake City, Minnesota farmer Debra Mills. "Even…Road Trip to Promote USMCA
Published April 4, 2019
Farmers for Free Trade is planning a 3,500 mile RV tour across 11 states to drum up support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This road trip begins in Pennsylvania April 12 and will continue during the two-week congressional recess. Organization co-founder…A Request for Livestock Aid
Published April 3, 2019
To aid farmers and ranchers in extreme weather conditions, a bipartisan group of senators is asking Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to provide Livestock Indemnity Program assistance as quickly as possible. In a letter, the lawmakers also requested the LIP approval…Trump: Security More Important Than Trade
Published April 3, 2019
President Donald Trump has repeated his threat to close the U.S.-Mexican border. Unless Mexico stops illegal immigration or Congress passes stricter immigration laws, Trump promises to close all or part of the border. In an Oval Office event, the president…Environmental Benefits of Ethanol Touted
Published April 3, 2019
A new USDA study indicates ethanol is having a significant impact on green house gas emissions. The last study of this kind, which was released in 2010, found greenhouse gas emissions from corn-based ethanol were 21 percent lower than from…Farm Credit Leaders Address Appropriations Subcommittee
Published April 2, 2019
The financial challenges in agriculture were highlighted in the House subcommittee hearing Tuesday. Compeer Financial President and CEO Rod Hebrink also offered his perspective on the farm economy. "The crop and livestock sectors we serve are best described as 'struggling,'…Ethanol Supporters Push for Final E15 Rule in Hearing
Published April 1, 2019
The Environmental Protection Agency hosted a hearing Friday on providing flexibility for E15 and the RIN compliance system. Biofuel supporters asked the agency not to adopt proposed changes to RINs and to finalize the E15 rule. Growth Energy CEO Emily…Dairy Planning Tool Will be Available
Published April 1, 2019
The Farm Service Agency is producing an online decision tool for dairy farmers considering the new Dairy Margin Coverage program. This is part of an awareness campaign that will be launched later this month. Last week, a coalition of lawmakers…