February 17, 2026  

Legislative session opens today

Source: Daryn McBeth, Lathrop GPM, MN Milk contract lobbyist

The 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session kicks off Tuesday, February 17 at noon when the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota Senate will convene for the second year of the biennium. It will be a short session as the State Constitution requires adjournment by May 18th.

Your last chance to register for our 2026 Annual Meeting & Dairy Day!

Source: Minnesota Milk

This is the final call to register for the Annual Dairy Day at the Capitol event on February 24 and 25! Don't miss this valuable opportunity to meet with legislators, share your stories and priorities, and advocate for the future of Minnesota dairy. 

Learn more about these events as well as sponsorship opportunities below!

Here's what to expect from new security measures at the Minnesota State Capitol

Source: MPR News

When the 2026 legislative session starts at the Minnesota Capitol, new security measures will be in place.

Gov. Tim Walz ordered that weapons scanners be installed at all public entrances to the Capitol. Walz cited the shootings that killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette as the reason for his executive order.

Here are 5 big issues facing lawmakers as they return for the 2026 legislative session

Source: MPR News

After a traumatic eight months for Minnesota, state lawmakers will return for the 2026 legislative session with a focus on recovery.

Looking at the legislative session, here are five big issues that lawmakers will face.

Farm bill text includes Prop 12 fix

Source: Farm Week Now

House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson released proposed farm bill text that included a fix for Proposition 12.

The 2018 farm bill expired in 2023, and Congress has since extended the legislation three times.

Rollins and Hegseth sign MOU to defend American agriculture

Source: Feedstuffs

USDA and DoW will collaborate to implement USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan, including creating a new research partnership and USDA office.

Don’t underestimate the power of attending a town board meeting

Source: Midwest Farm Report

Erin Tomasik, Community Relations Manager for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, emphasizes the urgent need for farmers to mobilize at the grassroots level to protect their livelihoods. Learn how the most significant threats to the dairy industry may be brewing at the town hall.

EmPower+: Turning on-farm data into marketplace value

Source: Mid-West Farm Report

Jennifer Block, director of value chain partnerships with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, discusses EmPower+, a new, farmer-led initiative designed to turn on-farm data into real marketplace value.

Succession planning resources for Voice of Milk members

Source: Voice of Milk

How can you effectively transition management and ownership from one generation to the next, while maintaining family unity and ensuring the success of the business? The Family Business Consulting Group has offered exclusive resources for succession planning for Voice of Milk members to help strengthen both your family and your farm.

Upcoming Events

• February 24-25, 2026 | Annual Meeting & Dairy Day at the Capitol
• March 17-19 | Central Plains Dairy Expo
• May 6, 2026 | Ice Cream Day at the Capitol

Thank you to our MN Milk Sponsors

Elite Sponsors

American Foods Group

Compeer Financial

Platinum Sponsors

AgCountry

Agropur

Bank First

Bongard's Premium Cheese

Select Sires

Gold Sponsors

Alltech

American Foods Group

Arnold's of Kimball, Inc.

Minnesota Dairy Initiative

American National

UA 400 Plumbers & Steamfitters