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Minnesota Farm Bureau encouraged by ag investments proposed in Walz budget

Minnesota Farm Bureau is encouraged by investments included in the newly released budget proposal by Governor Walz.

Farm Bureau director of public policy Amber Glaeser tells Brownfield Walz has earmarked $10 million for drought relief.

“For many Minnesotans, the drought is long-gone and they haven’t thought about it in months. But for a lot of our farmers and ranchers, implications from the drought are still ongoing. So we want to work with the Legislature and the administration on putting together a package that will provide needed resources when and where they’re needed for those that are still impacted.”

The budget also includes nearly $9 million for livestock processing to help expand and start new plants, recruit and retain employees, and strengthen inspection.

“One of our priority issues at Farm Bureau this year is supply chain. Obviously it’s an issue that’s not unique to just agriculture, but as we look at the food and agriculture supply challenges both in the short and long-term, livestock processing is a big piece of that.”

Glaeser suggests passing a budget will be difficult this session because it’s a bonding year and because there’s a split chamber with Republicans controlling the Senate and Democrats controlling the House.