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State Senate to Consider SD Ag Department Merger Resolution
Published March 4, 2021
SRD 901, a resolution of disapproval for the merging of the South Dakota Ag and Natural Resources Departments, will be considered in the South Dakota Senate as soon as Monday. The Senate Agriculture Committee heard the resolution on Thursday and…Drought Conditions Remain in the Northern Plains
Published March 4, 2021
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows little change in drought conditions across the Northern Plains the past week. Sixty-eight percent of North Dakota is in severe drought which encompasses the western two-thirds of the state. The southeastern portion of North…Ag Credit Survey Offers Positive News
Published March 4, 2021
A dramatic improvement in fourth quarter crop prices has resulted in the quickest turnaround in agricultural lending in more than a decade. That’s the finding from the latest Federal Reserve Bank’s ag credit study. Farm loan repayments increased for the…COVID Bill May Trigger PAYGO Rules, Slashing Farm Programs
Published March 4, 2021
Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman is warning the latest COVID-19 stimulus bill could trigger huge farm program cuts. Democrats are using budget reconciliation as the vehicle for the assistance package which could result in automatic spending cuts under…Walz: Opponents Spreading Misinformation About Clean Cars Rule
Published March 3, 2021
Public comments are being accepted through March 15 for Minnesota’s ‘clean car’ rule. This initiative is designed to address the issue of climate change, creating low-emission and zero-emission vehicle standards. There’s been substantial pushback on this rule. In an interview…A Decline in Future Expectations Lowers February Ag Barometer
Published March 2, 2021
The February CME Group/Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer dropped two points from January 2021, mostly due to a decline in the Index of Future Expectations. Purdue University's Center for Commercial Agriculture Director Jim Mintert says there's been a decline in…A New Chance for Dialogue
Published March 2, 2021
Speaking at the National Farmers Union Convention, North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne said it is important to consider what happens to the farm safety net in a post-COVID world. "The fact that we put out that much money…Wick Receives NFU Agriculture Communications Award
Published March 1, 2021
National Farmers Union presented Red River Farm Network President Don Wick with the Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications award during their annual convention. This award is given journalists who go above and beyond to provide impartial, thorough and insightful coverage of…Vilsack: USDA Wants to Create New Market Opportunities for Farmers
Published March 1, 2021
The USDA will focus on building new and better markets. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says addressing climate change can provide income for farmers, starting with carbon sequestration. "We will begin with farmer outreach asking for input on how to best…