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USDA Boosts Net Farm Income in Revised Forecast
Published December 2, 2020
The USDA’s Economic Research Service increased its net farm income forecast by 43 percent to $119.6 billion. With an inflation adjustment, this puts net farm income at the highest level in seven years. The majority of the farm income increase…Less Optimism for the Ag Economy Long-Term
Published December 2, 2020
The November Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer survey results show a decline of 16 points from the October survey. That’s mostly due to the Index of Future Expectations. Following the November election, farmers have a more pessimistic view on…MFU Calls for Farmer-Lender Mediation Extension
Published December 2, 2020
The Minnesota Farmers Union is calling on Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature to extend the deadline for Farmer-Lender Mediation. In a leader to state leadership, President Gary Wertish said an extension would “help farmers improve their financial position…Growth Energy Takes EPA to Court
Published December 2, 2020
Growth Energy is suing the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to meet its annual deadline to issue the Renewable Volume Obligation. Growth Energy says the failure to establish the RVO undermines the Renewable Fuel Standard and could lead to greater…Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Propose COVID-19 Relief Framework
Published December 1, 2020
A bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed a framework for more COVID-19 emergency relief. The proposal has a price tag of $908 billion with $288 billion for additional small business support and $26 billion for agriculture and nutrition. South Dakota Congressman…Congress May Tackle COVID-19 Relief Before Lame Duck Session Ends
Published December 1, 2020
Congress is going to try and pass more COVID-19 relief before the end of the year. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said any deal reached on a new COVID relief package in a lame duck session would be added to…A Renewed Interest in Farmland
Published December 1, 2020
The combination of stronger commodity prices and government payments has supported farmland values. Farmers National Company Senior Vice President Matt Gunderson says the cash flow situation has brought renewed interest to land. "I was just in a meeting with a…Large Ag Buys May Not Be Enough for Phase One Target
Published December 1, 2020
The U.S. Census Bureau says China purchased a record $4.8 billion in U.S. agricultural goods in October. NDSU Extension Crops Economist Frayne Olson isn’t surprised with the purchases. "They've bought a lot of soybeans, corn, pork and cotton." Bigger picture,…New MN House Ag Committee Chair Named
Published December 1, 2020
The Minnesota DFL has announced the committee chairs for the upcoming legislative session. Representative Mike Sundin will chair the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee. Sundin is from Esko in northeastern Minnesota and has been in the legislature since 2012.…