Dairy farmers engage with lawmakers at Minnesota Milk’s Dairy Day at the Capitol and Annual Meeting
Source: Minnesota Milk
Minnesota Milk Producers Association held its annual meeting and Dairy Day at the Capitol event in St. Paul this week, bringing together dairy farmers, state legislators and industry supporters.
Over 40 dairy farmers from throughout the state met directly with lawmakers to share their stories and advocate for policies that strengthen the dairy community. In addition, Minnesota dairy farmers got the chance to present at yesterday’s House and Senate Ag Committee hearings.
Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy tracks progress, maps path to water quality goals
Source: MN Pollution Control Agency
Ten years of programs and projects have reduced nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the Mississippi River and improved the river’s health, according to the 2025 Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy (Minnesota NRS).
The Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program provides financial assistance to small to medium-sized dairy operations that participate in the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.
Online applications are due by 5pm on March 19, 2026.
Minnesota’s budget outlook has improved amid significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty. The FY 2026-27 projected balance is now $3.7 billion, $1.3 billion higher than November estimates. A slightly improved economic outlook drives a higher revenue forecast, largely driven by more volatile sources of revenue. Spending growth outpaces revenue growth through projections for FY 2029. The projected general fund balance for the FY 2028-29 biennium is now $377 million; however, a significant structural imbalance remains. Shifting policies at the federal level and missing or incomplete data resulting from recent federal government shutdowns introduce significant uncertainty into the projections.
Minnesota began testing individual farms for the H5N1 virus as a part of the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). In February, the state made the transition from individual herd testing to silo sampling at plants that receive Grade A cow milk.
EmPower+ A Farmer-led Solution for an Unpredictable Sustainability Landscape
Source: Voice of Milk
Jen Block, Edge director of value chain partnerships, will lead a breakout session at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18 at the Central Plains Dairy Expo.
Join us to discover how EmPower+ equips farmers and processors with data-driven scenario planning to cut emissions, improve water quality and confidently lead in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.
Come visit our Voice of Milk booth (#C230) at Central Plains. We would love to connect!
Thompson on bipartisan Farm Bill: 'The numbers don't lie'
Source: House Committee on Agriculture
Ahead of the full committee markup of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) has released a detailed document showing the party breakdown of the standalone legislation incorporated into the bill.
Will Rollins' 5 priorities strengthen the ag economy?
Source: Farm Progress
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said USDA will focus on five priorities this year to turn the ag economy around. During remarks at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, she touted what she considers the Trump administration’s successes, while acknowledging many challenges remain.
Why the USMCA matters: Protecting and strengthening U.S.–Canada trade
Source: USDA
Dairy trade between the United States and Canada is a critical component of North America’s agricultural economy. As the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) undergoes review, it is essential to recognize how the agreement preserves market access, strengthens supply chains, and supports economic stability across North America, including Mexico. Continued support for USMCA is key to maintaining growth and protecting dairy exports.
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