Policy Articles
MFBF Update
Published March 19, 2019
Here’s the latest from the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. The Minnesota Legislative Session is moving fast and furious, with finance bills and property tax packages making appearances. Hear more from MFBF Associate Director of Public Policy Josie Lonetti.ND Home Exemption Reform Bill Passed
Published March 19, 2019
The North Dakota House of Representatives has passed a home exemption reform bill. The bill changes the required amount of income from farming to qualify for the exemption from 50 percent of net income to 66 percent of gross income.…Farm Home Tax Exemption on the Agenda in Legislature
Published March 18, 2019
A bill that makes adjustments to the farm home tax exemption is set to hit the House floor today in Bismarck. This bill would remove the $40,000 cap on non-farm income and change the current exemption to the IRS definition…Trump and Bolsonaro Meet in DC
Published March 18, 2019
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is in Washington, D.C. to meet with President Trump. Agriculture Minister Tereza Christina Dias is also part of the Brazilian delegation. Brazil wants to reopen the U.S. market to its fresh beef and the U.S. is…ND Legislative Report
Published March 15, 2019
Senate Bill 2315, a private property rights bill, is currently being heard in the House. NDFB President Daryl Lies explains this bill has changed in session. Hear more in the North Dakota Legislative Report, sponsored by NDFB, North Dakota Soybean…Lawmakers Request Ag Biotech Improvements from China
Published March 15, 2019
A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators are asking President Trump to secure more certainty for agriculture biotech in the U.S. China trade discussions. In a letter, lawmakers reference past commitments made between the two countries to address issues, but say…EPA Issues More Small Refinery Exemptions
Published March 15, 2019
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved five additional 2017 Small Refinery Exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard. Two more petitions have been received for 2018 exemptions. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper told reporters this is an important…Private Property Rights Bill Hearing Extended
Published March 15, 2019
North Dakota House Agriculture Committee Chairman Dennis Johnson plans to take additional testimony on the private property rights bill next week. That decision was made to accommodate people who were unable to participate in Thursday’s hearing due to the weather.…SD Legislative Session Wraps Up
Published March 14, 2019
The South Dakota legislative session has wrapped up. One disappointment for the South Dakota Farmer’s Union is Governor Noem's veto of industrial hemp. Lobbyist Mitch Richter says there is enough interest in the state to discuss further in the next…