Notes from MN Farmers Union 2-26-09
Notes from the Minnesota Farmers Union Thursday February 26th, 2009
Buis Stepping down
NFU President Tom Buis announced that he will be stepping down as NFU President, effective March 15, to serve as CEO of Growth Energy. His successor will be chosen by Farmers Union delegates at the upcoming national convention March 8-10 in Washington, D.C. "President Buis has been a great asset to the Farmers Union family" said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. Minnesota Farmers Union wishes him well in his position at Growth Energy, and we look forward to working with him in the future." Under Buis's leadership, NFU was a major player in the writing of the 2008 Farm Bill; was a leading advocate for the implementation of mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL); led the call to address excessive speculation in the commodity and energy futures markets; advocated for expanding the renewable fuels standard (RFS) and creating a renewable portfolio standard (RPS); and, through the Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program, allowed farmers to play a role in addressing climate change. "It was not an easy decision, but I am excited to take on this new challenge and continue advocating for our nation's family farmers and ranchers," Tom Buis, National Farmers Union President said. "The production of renewable energy from our farms is the greatest economic opportunity for rural America that I've seen in my lifetime. Home-grown renewable fuels create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect our environment. I am looking forward to advancing this cause and addressing the myths and the facts when it comes to renewable fuels." Buis was elected NFU president in 2006 and again in 2008. He has been with the organization since March 1998, previously serving as vice president of the government relations.
Growth Energy
You can listen to a press conference with General Wes Clark, former Rep. Jim Nussle and NFU President Tom Buis discussing his new role at Growth Energy here: http://domesticfuel.com/2009/02/25/tom-buis-expected-to-be-new-growth-energy-ceo/
MFU Board of Directors passes Special Order on dairy industry
MFU's Full Board of Directors, which consists of all of its county presidents, recently met and passed a Special Order on the dairy industry. The Special Order states that because of catastrophic low prices and high input costs the nearly 5,000 Minnesota dairy farmers are facing, the following should take place:
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) should use existing authorities to release a combination of food commodities and funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and Section 32;
- The USDA should maximize the utilization of the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) to stimulate international demand of the eligible commodities;
- The USDA should more effectively implement the Dairy Product Price Support Program (DPPSP) to restore stability and clear oversupplies in the market;
- The USDA should consider additional dairy purchases for distribution through the USDA commodity-based nutrition programs;
- Congress should immediately hold hearings on the status of dairy farmers and their industry;
- Congress should examine the Canadian dairy system;
- The USDA should move to expedite the delivery of Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) payments; and
- The USDA should raise the dairy floor price up to trigger CCC payments.
"Considering the dairy industry contributes millions of dollars and jobs to the State of Minnesota, there should be a lot more concern over the dire straits the dairy industry is going through right now," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "Our Board of Directors knows the difficulty of dairy farming, and is seeking immediate relief for the dairy farmers of Minnesota."
Dairy Price Drop Trigger MILC payments
Minnesota Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director Glenn Schafer announced recently that due to low milk prices FSA will be making payments in April to producers through FSA's Milk Income Loss Contract, or MILC, program. The 2008 Farm Bill made changes to the MILC program, most notably the addition of dairy feed ration cost adjustment in addition to changes to the payment rate and modifications to the per-operation poundage limit, depending on when the milk is produced. FSA makes MILC payments on a monthly basis when the Boston Class I milk price falls below $16.94 per hundredweight (cwt) as adjusted for feed costs. More information about the MILC program can be found on the FSA website http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
JBS dropped attempt to purchase National Beef Packing Company
MFU is declaring victory after learning JBS S.A. has terminated its attempt to purchase National Beef Packing Company. This decision allows for better competition in the market, benefiting beef cattle producers and consumers everywhere. According to the Minnesota Attorney General's office, if this merger went through, three companies would have controlled 80% of the United States fed cattle processing capacity. "Last summer, Minnesota Farmers Union met with Attorney General Lori Swanson about the terrible impacts this merger would have on the cattle industry, and urged her to join in this lawsuit" said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "Minnesota Farmers Union wants to thank Attorney General Swanson for joining the antitrust litigation, essentially blocks a monopoly which would have increased the prices consumers pay for their beef and lowered the costs farmers receive." A lawsuit to block this merger was filed in October by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson, along with the Attorneys General of 12 other states and the United States Department of Justice on antitrust grounds. With the news that JBS has forfeited their attempt to purchase National Beef Packing Company, the pending litigation will be terminated
MFU commends Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on COOL ruling
MFU is very pleased that the United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack decided that the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) final rule will go into effect on March 16, 2009, as originally scheduled. In a letter to industry stakeholders, Vilsack urged them to follow additional voluntary labeling practices in regards to: labeling of products from multiple countries of origin; processed foods; and inventory allowance. His letter can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/documents/0220_IndustryLetterCOOL.pdf
"Farmers Union has been an advocate for COOL implementation since the beginning, and we played an important role in getting the language into the 2008 Farm Bill," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.
Obama Picks Nominee for Agriculture Post
President Barack Obama intends to nominate Kathleen Merrigan as deputy secretary of the Agriculture Department, the White House said on Monday. Merrigan was the administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service at the department from 1999 to 2001, reports Reuters.
Torpet to testifies for MFU
Polk County MFU member Elaine Torpet testified Wednesday February 25th, 2009 before the House Health Care and Human Services Policy Committee in favor of HF 135 which is known as the "Minnesota Health Plan" authored by Rep. David Bly. The plan guarantees all Minnesotans access to affordable and accessible health care. For more info on the plan check out: http://mnhealthplan.org/
Webster passes
MFU was saddened to hear of the passing of Aitkin County Farmers Union member Dan Webster of Feb. 9th. Webster has been a delegate recently to the Farmers Union convention and was working with local growers on a native grass project.
MFU meets with agencies on open lots
MFU joined other key farm organizations at a meeting last Friday at the Pollution Control Agency to discuss the future of the open lot agreements. Farmers who had signed an agreement had until October 2010 to correct problems, with some caveats. MFU is working with the PCA and as well as BWSR and the MN Dept of Ag. to come up with a solution that works for those who may have issues with the deadline, and we expect a workable plan in a month or so. Rep. Steve Drazowski has introduced a bill to extend the deadline by 10 years. Members who have questions should contact me.
Bovine Tb-Deer update
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health reports that the DNR will begin ground sharp shooting of whitetail deer on Feb. 23rd in the Tb Core area, and on March 16th they will begin aerial sharp shooting in an effort to further control the deer population in the core area. The DNR reports that a recent survey shows there are about 664 deer in the area. Since 2005, there have been 24 confirmed cases of bovine Tb in the whitetail deer population.
MFU Offers Market Information on your Cell Phone
MFU is announcing that a new program called Markets on Cell is available at a discount to MFU members. Normally priced at $68 per year, this program is now available to MFU members for $48 per year, a $20 savings. Members who subscribe to the service can receive market prices on their cell phone. This includes futures, options, stocks and stock indices. There is no internet access required, and no equipment or software to buy. The program should work on the cell phone members now have. To learn more about this new Minnesota Farmers Union benefit program, you can check it out on the web at www.marketsoncell.com, or you can email: sales@4mkts.com, or you can call, toll-free: 1-877-234-3909. NOTE: It must be noted that some cell phone carriers charge for incoming text messages, so subscribers should check with their cell phone carrier for their specific text messaging packages and costs.
Danielson leaving
Jack Danielson, who worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee and Chairman Rep. Collin Peterson, has announced he has left his staff position to become the Legislative Director for Michigan Sen. Carl Levin. Danielson also has worked for Rep. Oberstar and Sen. Mark Dayton. MFU thanks Jack for his work on the farm bill and wishes him good luck.
New House Research guide
The Minnesota House Research has recently posted the following publications on its web site:
A Minnesota Lawmaker's Guide to the Agri-Environmental Policy Landscape (PDF)
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/agenvtlaw.pdf
Hosch Offers Green Acres Extension
Sponsored by Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph), HF635 would give a one-year extension for landowners with property in Green Acres to withdraw land from the program and be subject to only a three-year back tax payment. Under current law, the deadline was Jan. 2, 2009. Under this bill, the taxpayer would be required to notify their county assessor of her/his intent to withdraw by the end of this year, and make a final decision by May 1, 2010. Withdrawals of rural vacant land after the deadline are subject to a seven-year back tax payment. MFU is considering supporting this provision, some concerns are that this will take some of the focus off green acres, and will only delay decisions for farmers, and won't help those who are facing expiring conservation program contracts, and I encourage members to let me know what they think about this provision.
MFU sends letter to Lessard Council
This past week MFU President sent a letter to the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council on behalf of MFU members asking them to consider some of the following suggestions when making choices on funding requests:
1.) When purchasing easements, from landowners consider the option for a "working lands" approach for some of the acreage. MFU members believe that managed haying and grazing of conservation land (after the nesting season) can have a positive impact for the local habitat and the economy, and provide options for livestock farmers in areas where available feedstocks are limited.
2.) Ensure that adequate dollars are put into technical assistance and information to help farmers enroll in conservation programs.
3.) Preservation of working farmland in developing areas should be considered by the Council when spending dollars.
4.) When buying easements to create or enhance wildlife, consider strongly working with appropriate state agencies to ensure that they are not in areas that are already dealing with issues from farmers who have concerns about damage caused by some kind of wildlife.
Bill introductions of note:
Drazkowski; Olin; Torkelson; Nornes; Murdock; Peppin; Anderson, P.; Westrom; Persell; Davids and Gottwalt introduced: H. F. 1020, A bill for an act relating to state lands; requiring commissioner of natural resources to sell lands with agricultural leases. (one of my all time favorite bill intros)
Doty, Juhnke and Welti introduced: H. F. 1055, A bill for an act relating to waters; appropriating money to monitor agricultural nonpoint source pollution.
Garofalo and Atkins introduced: H. F. 1009, A bill for an act relating to farm wineries; allowing sales and samples of wine at farmer's markets; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 340A.315, subdivision 2.
Senators Erickson Ropes, Vickerman and Chaudhary introduced--S.F. No. 691: A bill for an act relating to pesticides; regulating application by railroads; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.07, by adding a subdivision.
Senator Dille introduced--S.F. No. 753: A bill for an act relating to agriculture; bioenergy; requiring study and report on feasibility of producing ethanol from whey.
Senators Dille and Vickerman introduced--S.F. No. 754: A bill for an act relating to agriculture; providing funding for the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; appropriating money.
Senators Koch, Vickerman, Koering, Olseen and Erickson Ropes introduced--S.F. No. 755: A bill for an act relating to agriculture; clarifying that horses and other equines are livestock and raising them is an agricultural pursuit; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 17.
Senators Erickson Ropes, Vickerman and Chaudhary introduced--S.F. No. 771: A bill for an act relating to soil and water conservation; creating a farm unit conservation plan program; requiring a conservation plan for participation in a state cost-share program; creating a farmland conservation task force; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 103C.101, by adding subdivisions; 103C.501, subdivision 5; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103C.
Senators Vandeveer and Metzen introduced--S.F. No. 775: A bill for an act relating to taxation; property; modifying definition of agricultural products; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 273.13, subdivision 23.
Senators Sparks, Tomassoni, Sheran, Vickerman and Rosen introduced--S.F. No. 865: A bill for an act relating to economic development; appropriating money for the Rural Policy and Development Center.
Hosch introduced: H. F. 830, A bill for an act relating to taxation; property; expanding the definition of agricultural products in certain cases; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 273.13
Juhnke introduced: H. F. 838, A bill for an act relating to agriculture; appropriating money for agricultural nutrient research.
Juhnke introduced: H. F. 840, A resolution memorializing Congress to oppose federal legislation that interferes with a state's ability to direct the transport or processing of horses.
Juhnke introduced: H. F. 841, A bill for an act relating to agriculture; eliminating the sunset of the farmer-lender mediation law; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 583.215.
That is all for now, as usual, questions, comments and complaints to me!
Thom Petersen, Director of Government Relations, MN Farmers Union