Articles tagged under: Thom Petersen
Minnesota Considers All Options for Drought Response
Published June 29, 2021
Drought has expanded in Minnesota in recent weeks. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says the state is taking a proactive approach to these dry conditions. "Some of the things we're looking at is the opening of state land and make…Bipartisan Support for Omnibus Ag Bill
Published June 28, 2021
Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says there was wide-ranging support for the omnibus agriculture finance bill. "It passed the Senate 63-3 and in the House 112-to-20 so getting both parties to agree to things is great." This new law will…Finding Drought Relief Solutions for MN Farmers
Published June 25, 2021
As severe drought conditions spread, the Minnesota Agriculture Department is exploring ways to help farmers. In a stakeholder call on Friday, Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen said disaster loans could be available for farmers through the Rural Finance Authority. "We haven't…Omnibus Ag Finance Bill Passes MN House
Published June 21, 2021
On Saturday, the Minnesota House passed the omnibus agriculture finance bill on a 111-20 vote. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says the Minnesota Senate is expected to consider the bill early this week. "It's been a real bipartisan effort throughout the…MN Ag Policy Bill Signed, Work Continues on MN Ag Finance Bill
Published May 30, 2021
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the state omnibus agriculture policy bill into law. Included in the bill are improvements to the Minnesota Agriculture Department’s Ag Marketing Program and more. "Some of the important things were extending the Farmer-Lender Mediation Program…MN Omnibus Ag Finance Bill Moves to Conference Committee
Published April 9, 2021
The Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee moved the omnibus agriculture finance bill out of committee on Friday. Now, both the House and Senate’s version of the omnibus ag finance bills will be reviewed in conference committee. Minnesota Agriculture…Co-op Day Concentrates on Rural Development and Economic Stability
Published March 25, 2021
Minnesota farm cooperative leaders met virtually with officials from the state agriculture department and the legislature Wednesday. Cooperative Network outlined legislative priorities, including tax conformity and broadband infrastructure. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen addressed the group, saying mental health issues are…COVID Highlights the Value of the Food Supply Chain
Published March 12, 2021
It's been one year since the COVID pandemic began and recognizing the value of the ag supply chain may be one of the biggest lessons learned. As the pandemic began, keeping food in stock on grocery store shelves challenged agriculture.…MDA Budget Proposal Focuses on Biofuels, Meat Processing and Conservation
Published January 26, 2021
The Minnesota Agriculture Department’s budget proposal has a three-percent increase from the previous biennium. With the additional funds, Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen says the department wants to build on two areas, starting with a $4 million investment in E15…