Policy Articles
USDA South American Production Estimates Mostly Unchanged
Published March 8, 2019
USDA reports Argentine corn production is at 46 million metric tons, unchanged from one month ago. This is also close to trade expectations. Soybean production is at 55 million metric tons, unchanged from one month ago and slightly below trade…Cattlemen’s Association Praises Gray Wolf Rulemaking
Published March 8, 2019
Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Ashley Kohls says the current attempt at removing the gray wolf from the endangered species list is different than previous attempts. "This is working toward de-listing the wolf through rulemaking and not the legislative…ND Legislative Report
Published March 8, 2019
Two bills related to the farm home tax exemption are getting attention. Hear more in the North Dakota Legislative Report, sponsored by NDFB, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, North Dakota Corn Growers Association and North Dakota Farmers Union.Standoff Possible Over Gas Tax Proposal
Published March 8, 2019
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s tax proposal is generating plenty of discussion in St. Paul. State Senator Torrey Westrom, who is from Elbow Lake, says rural Minnesota needs roads and bridges, but there is no support for a gas tax. "A…US-EU Disagree Over Agriculture
Published March 8, 2019
During meetings in Washington, D.C., European Union trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said any trade deal with the United States will not include agriculture. That seems to be a non-starter for the U.S., who wants more agricultural access to the European…SDFB Members Pleased With Property Tax Win
Published March 7, 2019
The South Dakota legislative session wraps up Wednesday. South Dakota Farm Bureau lobbyist Michael Held says the biggest win for farmer members was to defeat attempts to increase property taxes. "Schools wanted to do a $30 million increase in property…Farm Income Higher, Farm Debt Higher
Published March 7, 2019
USDA is forecasting a nearly five percent increase in net cash farm income. At $69 billion, net farm income is well below the $90 billion average seen since the year 2000. Meanwhile, farm debt is projected increase nearly four percent.…MFU Shows Support for Walz Gas Tax Increase
Published March 6, 2019
Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says MFU is in favor of Governor Tim Walz's proposed 20 cent per gallon gas tax. "In our policy, we don't have a number, but we've been supportive of a gas tax. Twenty cents…NFU Continues to Support E30 Efforts
Published March 6, 2019
South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says one special order of business continues the support of 30 percent ethanol blends. "This also prepares us for the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) rule, whenever we're allowed to talk about that."…