The Latest from MN Milk

March 17, 2026

Minnesota Legislature update

Source: Daryn McBeth, MN Milk contract lobbyist

It will be a condensed week at the Minnesota Legislature this week with committee hearings cancelled for Monday with the weekend snow storm, and Thursday being Eid holiday for all a one day recess.

Last week the DAIRI bill, to make new dairy farms coming online since 2022 eligible for the grant funding, advanced from the Senate Finance Committee and was placed on General Orders. The House companion bill awaits consideration by the Ways & Means Committee.

The House Agriculture Committee last week under co-chair Rick Hanson (DFL - South St. Paul) held a hearing to consider a bill that would regulate neonicotinoid-treated seeds. After testimony from environmental group proponents and farm group opponents the bill was tabled for future consideration.

Agriculture Committee agendas for the week ahead are up in the air due to cancelled hearings Monday, but they are expected to meet in both the House and Senate on Wednesday afternoon.

Minnesota Milk is working on a new bill to exempt “farm cheese” from sales taxes. We hope to have the bill language finalized and introduced by the end of this week.

Dairy market report

Source: Ever.Ag

We partner with Ever.Ag to provide highlights of weekly dairy market activities, along with a summary of key market indicators.

January trade data revealed another strong month of exports. February inflation was in line with expectations. Analysts expect bigger jumps in March because of the Middle East conflict and rising gas prices hitting supply chains.

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When the milk truck can’t get through: A winter storm checklist for dairy farmers

Source: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative

The heavy snowfall and winter storm this weekend is shutting down roads in some places and may prevent milk haulers from reaching farms. Disruptions in pickup can create immediate storage, disposal and financial challenges.

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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!

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Seasonal load limit notification

Source: Minnesota Dept. of Transportation

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will end winter load increases in the NORTH-CENTRAL frost zone Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 12:01 AM and will start spring load restrictions in the NORTH-CENTRAL frost zone. Spring load restrictions have already begun in the SOUTH, SOUTHEAST, METRO and CENTRAL zones. Seasonal load limit (frost) zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map.

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