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SLOPPY WEATHER WEEK
A large, slow-moving storm system is bringing some much needed moisture to the region this week. As much of 8 inches of snow has fallen over parts of Central Minnesota with more expected Thursday and Friday. Much of western, west central and southern Minnesota received rain, with between half an inch and an inch reported in many areas. More snow is expected statewide Thursday and Friday with colder weather forecast for next week.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION NEARS
The 2023 Minnesota Legislative session begins January 3 with Democrats controlling the House, Senate and the governor's office.
Starbuck farmer and lawmaker Paul Anderson will be the Republican lead on the House agriculture committee. Anderson says with a state budget surplus exceeding $17 billion, he's hoping for a strong ag budget. Listen
State Senator Torrey Westrom of Elbow Lake has chaired the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Finance and Policy committee. He says now is the time to think big, especially in terms of tax relief given the massive surplus. Listen
FARM BILL A FOCUS
When Congress reconvenes in January, crafting a new 2023 Farm Bill will be a priority issue for many ag groups, including the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, according to President Dan Glessing, who farms near Waverly. Listen
The farm bill will be a major point of discussion at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention January 6-11 in Puerto Rico.
KLOBUCHAR ON FARM BILL
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar serves on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. She's been through the process of writing a farm bill before and says her goal is to keep what's working and improve upon areas that need changing. Sen. Klobuchar says areas such as crop insurance, commodity titles and dairy provisions need to be protected. She also would like to see more done in the area of animal disease protection and response. Listen
FARM BILL RESEARCH HEARING
U.S. Senator Tina Smith was part of a 2023 Farm Bill hearing on research and education funding. The Farm Bill includes funding for USDA in-house research as well as making dollars available for universities and other organizations. Sen. Smith says research into advanced biofuels holds great potential for agriculture and the environment. Listen
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