Month: June 2012

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative On Thursday the Supreme Court released its ruling on the constitutionality of the health reform law passed in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In a 5-4 decision, the Court upheld the ACA in its entirety, with the exception of the provision giving the federal government power to … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative Today the Senate concluded its debate on the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, ending with a 64-35 vote for final passage. Below is a list of individual Senators’ votes: YEAs —64 Akaka (D-HI) Alexander (R-TN) Barrasso (R-WY) Baucus (D-MT) Begich (D-AK) Bennet (D-CO) Bingaman (D-NM) … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations represenative Today the Senate considered and voted on numerous amendments to the 2012 Farm Bill, with approximately 10 remaining for tomorrow, as well as a vote to end debate and then another on final passage of the bill. Notable amendments and NFU victories include: ·       Sen. Durbin, D-Ill. and … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative Yesterday the Senate debated and voted on 25 amendments to the 2012 Farm Bill, and debate will continue throughout the day today with a vote on final passage of the bill likely to occur this evening. Some of yesterday’s notable amendment votes and NFU victories included: Passage of … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative Today the Senate plans to finish up its work on the 2012 Farm Bill, including a vote on an amendment offered by Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and cosponsored by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Richard Lugar, R-Ind., to eliminate the sugar program. This amendment would be disastrous for … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative The Senate has begun its work on amendments to the 2012 Farm Bill (also known as S. 3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012), and NFU has been working hard to make sure that important amendments supporting family farmers and ranchers receive top priority. This … Read More

By Chandler Goule, NFU vice president of government relations The average consumer, whether it is in the grocery store or at the pharmacy counter, is often confronted with the decision of whether to pay full price for a branded or patented widget or pay less for a generic, yet equally good, product. As Americans face … Read More

By Jeremy Peters, NFU director of climate and energy The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and Delta Farmers Advocating Resource Management (Delta F.A.R.M.) held the annual Conservation in Action Tour May 30-31, in the Mississippi Delta region of northwest Mississippi. NFU sponsored the tour and NFU Climate and Energy Director Jeremy Peters participated in the … Read More

Submitted By Mike Stranz, NFU government relations representative June 4-10, 2012 is Hemp History Week. Now in its third year, Hemp History Week is the largest national grassroots marketing and public education effort torenew strong support for hemp farming in the U.S. and raise awareness about the benefits of hemp products. Hemp is an untapped opportunity … Read More

By Brittany Jablonsky, NFU government relations representative Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a proposed rule for a new microloan program within the existing Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) operating loan program. FSA proposes to offer annual or term microloans of up to $35,000 that feature a streamlined application process and less stringent requirements … Read More