Top Stories Articles
Tax Conformity a Focus for the MN Legislative Session
Published December 31, 2018
Tax conformity will be a focus during the upcoming legislative session. Minnesota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Thom Petersen says it’s a priority to update the Section 179 deduction. "Minnesota conforms at a very low level so if a farmer buys…Top Stories of 2018
Published December 30, 2018
1. The Ongoing Trade War- The tit-for-tat trade spat between the U.S. and China dominated the agricultural news scene this past year. The tension began in March with President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. China responded…MN Plans for More Hemp Production
Published December 28, 2018
Industrial hemp production is legalized in the new farm bill. USDA will be in charge of regulating the crop. States that want industrial hemp grown under their jurisdiction can submit a plan to USDA. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner…Rural Perspectives: Episode Five
Published December 28, 2018
The Red River Farm Network has teamed up with AgCountry Farm Credit Services in a podcast series called Rural Perspectives. One change in the 2018 Farm Bill allows farmers to make annual elections for ARC and PLC payments. In episode…Government Shutdown Causing Market Uncertainty
Published December 27, 2018
Van Ahn and Company Chief Financial Officer Kristi Van Ahn says the government shutdown is creating uncertainty in the market. "The biggest question is when the government will reopen," says Van Ahn. "If the government reopens, there will be a…Ag Groups Continue to Push for Year-Round E15
Published December 27, 2018
In October, President Trump announced plans for year-round sales of fuel with up to 15 percent ethanol. Current laws do not allow for sales of E15 from June 1 to September 15 due to regulations in the Clear Air Act."Having…Straw Can Help Keep Cows Full
Published December 27, 2018
To keep cows full and prepared for winter, NDSU Extension says cattle producers can consider feeding wheat straw. The amount of straw blended into a ration will vary based on cow needs and other feeds used. A 1,400-pound cow in…China Drops Tariffs for Alternative Feed Products
Published December 26, 2018
Starting January 1, China is reducing the tariffs on more than 700 American products. Tariffs on sunflower meal, canola meal and other alternatives to soybean meal will be removed. Trade negotiations continued during the holiday season with discussions taking place…Infrastructure Shouldn’t be an Ideological Issue
Published December 26, 2018
Transportation Commissioner-designate Margaret Anderson Kelliher has a unique background; raised on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota and representing Minneapolis in the state legislature. Moving to the Department of Transportation, Anderson Kelliher is calling for balance. "Infrastructure should be one…