Policy Articles
MDA Rolls Out Programs
Published August 14, 2023
During the 2023 Minnesota legislative session, lawmakers approved an $88 million budget for agriculture and several new or expanded programs. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says several of those programs are now available to farmers and ranchers in the state. The…Competition Sought
Published August 11, 2023
The Minnesota Farmers Union is calling on the government to address anticompetitive mergers. Four companies control 85 percent of the meat packing business, 85 percent of corn seed, 76 percent of soybean seed and three companies control 95 percent of…A Stern Warning for Brazil
Published August 11, 2023
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is demanding timely reporting of cattle diseases, especially BSE. Earlier this year, Brazil reported two cases of atypical BSE two months after the disease was discovered. Vilsack said beef trade between the two countries is dependent…MFU Minute
Published August 10, 2023
In this week's Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, Minnesota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Stu Lourey discusses the rollout of programs approved in the last legislative session.Farmers Point Out Prevent Plant Flaws
Published August 10, 2023
North Dakota Farmers Union conducted a survey with its members to discuss the harvest price option, the 1-in-4 rule and other crop insurance programs. NDFU Government Relations Director Matt Perdue said there was a mixed response. "We learned that some…RMA Gathers Feedback
Published August 10, 2023
The Risk Management Agency held a listening session in West Fargo for feedback over possible changes to prevented plant programs. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger said the concerns vary by region. "It depends on if there's a drought or excessive moisture…A Looming Deadline
Published August 10, 2023
A farm bill roundtable discussion took place in Fargo with Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman and North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer. Boozman said there's no specific timeline in mind to get the farm bill out…Market Fatigue Over Russia-Ukraine War
Published August 10, 2023
Ukraine has announced a 'humanitarian corridor' to move container ships and other vessels that have been stranded since the war began in February of 2022. This comes at a time when the war in Russia and Ukraine appears to be…Waiting for Guidance on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Published August 10, 2023
The biofuels industry is awaiting the Treasury Department’s guidance on the fuels that qualify for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper is focused on the methodology. "The Inflation Reduction Act established a tax…