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Last week pig farmers from across the state met at the capitol to discuss issues impacting the pork industry. Agriculture research was a main topic of conversation. Bill HF 779 would invest $37.5 million in various research programs with the primary goal of building staff capacity. Other topics of discussion included the vet diagnostic lab and the new isolation unit near the diagnostic lab at the University of Minnesota, along with the truck washes and a nuisance bill protecting farms from public and private claims if the farm meets all standards in law. Click Here to Review the Legislative Agenda 

 “I believe having a few minutes with our Representatives and Senators where we have their undivided attention to express our commitment to the issues we are asking them to support is important,” said Larry Liepold a pig farmer from Okabena. 

“It is an additional reminder as to what the pork industry adds to the economy in the form of jobs both on and off the farm, adding value to grains and oil seed, and contributing revenue through the marketing of our product.” 

The Minnesota Pork Producers Association hosted newly-elected Representative Tom Emmer and his Chief of Staff, David FitzSimmons, for a morning of conversation on current national and international policy issues affecting pig farmers. 

Emmer was recently appointed to the House Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Committees and will also be on sub-committees dealing with futures trading, livestock and energy. 

Topics covered in the meeting included Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling resolution, support for granting Trade Promotion Authority, the west coast shipping slowdown and oversight that will be needed on the new USDA dietary guidelines. 

Fourteen pig farmers along with MPPA staff were in attendance and enjoyed meeting with Rep. Emmer. If would like more information on what was discussed email David Preisler at david@mnpork.com