Policy Articles
Trump Reverses TPP Reentry Intentions
Published April 17, 2018
President Donald Trump has reversed himself on a possible role for the U.S. in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In early April, Trump asked administration officials to look into a possible reentry into the TPP. That changed Tuesday. On Twitter, Trump said…Modernizing the Lock and Dam System
Published April 17, 2018
The unpredictable and sporadic funding given to the modernization of the U.S. lock and dam system is costing taxpayers more money. This study was conducted by Texas A&M University and commissioned by the Soy Transportation Coalition. The report says a…Rural Forward Formed to Promote Democratic Candidates
Published April 17, 2018
A new organization has been formed to promote the Democratic message in rural areas ahead of the midterm elections. Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota and former Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana…Concerns with a Farm Bill Extension
Published April 16, 2018
The current farm bill expires September 30. If new legislation is not enacted, there is the option for a one-year extension of the current bill. However, with an extension, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson sees two main concerns. The…DC Public Affairs Firm Adds Vetter
Published April 16, 2018
Former agriculture trade ambassador Darci Vetter has accepted a new job with a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. Vetter is Edelman’s vice chair for agriculture, food and trade and will manage the D.C. office. In 2017, Vetter was named…Trade Dispute and Farm Bill Causing Anxiety
Published April 13, 2018
The trade dispute with China could impact several commodities, including a proposed 25 percent tariff on all U.S. wheat exports. While China is a small market for wheat, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule says keeping all international…Chairman Conaway’s Farm Bill
Published April 13, 2018
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway released his version of the farm bill Thursday. Conaway says the farm bill won’t do away with the ARC program as an individual option, but ARC isn’t an annual election-it’s a five-year deal. “The…BWSR Rejects Buffer Penalty Proposal
Published April 13, 2018
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Committee on Buffers, Soils and Drainage reviewed public comments and voted unanimously to reject the draft amendment to the administrative penalty order for buffer implementation Thursday. The action ends any further action…Trump Showing Interest in TPP
Published April 13, 2018
More than one year after pulling out of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, President Trump is asking his top economic advisers to study the possibility of re-joining the trade pact. President Trump deputized U.S. Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer…