government shutdown

Government Shutdown Continued Threat is Toxic for Ag Businesses

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Legislative

We’re once again hearing talk of a possible government shutdown and one expert says the continued threat is toxic for ag businesses. With the threat of a government shutdown once again looming, Speaker Mike Johnson faces pushback from his own party over a potential spending deal with Democrats. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane is …

house

2024 Farm Bill Expectations

Sabrina Halvorson Farm Bill

What’s ahead for the farm bill? One expert says it could be passed early this year. Brian Kuehl is the Director of Government and Public Affairs with Pinion, an ag business consulting and accounting firm. He, like many others, had wanted to see a farm bill passed in 2023. “Congress did not get that done, in part because they were …

pesticide regulations

Lawmakers Discuss Pesticide Regulations

Dan Agri-Business, Funding, Legislative, Regulation

The issue of pesticide regulation came up a few times during the House Agriculture Committee Member Day Hearing last week. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was the first to give comments at the hearing and the first to broach the subject. He said state pesticide regulations need to fall in line with federal controls. “The ability to produce abundant feed, food, …

Prop 12

Lawmaker Takes on California’s Prop 12

Dan Agri-Business, Legislative, Livestock, Pork

California’s Prop 12 was once again in the spotlight before the House Agriculture Committee at last week’s “Member Day” hearing. The hearing allowed lawmakers who are not on the ag committee to promote some of their agricultural and nutrition priorities for the next farm bill.  Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, pointed to the costs for pork producers because of California’s Proposition …

farm bill

Farm Bill, Specialty Crops Discussed During House Ag Member Day

Dan Agri-Business, Legislative

The House Agriculture Committee met for Member Day, Wednesday, a day when all Members of the House are invited to share legislative interests and priorities with the Chairman and the Ranking Member. Chairman Glenn G.T. Thompson started the conversation by emphasizing how important the Farm Bill is. “Now, these men and women have struggled with fractured supply chains, considerable input …

california

New Proposed California Anti-Ag Measure Could Have National Implications

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Legislative

A proposed northern California anti-ag measure could have an effect nationwide. The measure in Sonoma County would eliminate animal agriculture in that county. “It would outlaw all animal agriculture in the county. That would affect dairies that would affect poultry operations,” said Director of Political Affairs with the California Farm Bureau, Steven Fenaroli, who explained those are two of the …