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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tim Miller (R)

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Deer Farmers; Crop Insurance; and the High School Page Program

Friday, October 15, 2021

DNR Launches War on Deer Farmers

On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a new ban on farmed deer movement. Under the new ban, farmed white-tailed deer will be barred from being imported into Minnesota, and they will also be banned from moving within the state.

I am shocked by this blatantly destructive action against deer farmers. This ban effectively shuts down the entire deer farming industry in Minnesota. Because of this emergency order, farmers will not be able to sell their deer or turn a profit on their herd. This power grab was sprung on farmers everywhere without their consultation. I am sick of blanket emergency orders that ruin people.

In a press release, the Minnesota DNR claimed that their emergency action is designed to combat the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) among deer populations. CWD is a fatal, transmissible neurological disease that slowly kills deer. The disease was first discovered in 1967 and is not known to infect humans or livestock.

If the DNR was serious about stopping chronic wasting disease, then they would recognize wild deer freely transmit the disease wherever they roam. By contrast, farmed deer are highly regulated, easily managed, and traceable. The DNR could work to stop CWD by going after the infected wild deer populations; but they don’t appear to be doing so. Instead, the DNR deceptively uses CWD as a front to persecute deer farmers.

The DNR previously banned farmed deer movement for two months in June and July of this year. However, DNR officials said that this new ban could last as long as 15 months.

Let me be clear, the DNR does not like deer farmers. They want to shut down the industry entirely in this state. The public officials that steer livestock and agriculture policy in Minnesota are beholden to radical environmental groups who do not want livestock farming to exist. As a result, hardworking farmers are steamrolled by foolish decision making and deceitful policy.

Rep. Miller - 10.15.21

Crop Insurance Deadline Approaches  

On Wednesday, the USDA’s Risk Management Agency reminded Minnesota farmers that the crop insurance deadline is approaching. Specifically, the deadline to apply for insurance for perennial crops such as apples, cranberries, grapes, and tart cherries is November 20 for the 2022.

For more detailed information, please see the press release from the USDA’s Risk Management Agency below:

“USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance for perennial crops such as apples, cranberries, grapes, and tart cherries is November 20 for the 2022 crop year. Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection policy and are late fiscal year filers have until November 20 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the November 20 sales closing date to do so.     

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Producers may select from several coverage options, including yield coverage, revenue protection, and area risk policies. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2022 crop year.

RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail, and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.   

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.  

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.”

Feel free to contact my office if you have any questions.

High School Page Program 

I am excited to announce that the High School Page Program is returning to the Minnesota House of Representatives! Students who wish to join the page program for one week during the 2022 regular session of the Minnesota Legislature must apply by November 23, 2021.

The High School Page Program runs for twelve weeks during the legislative session. Each week, eight students work as pages in the Minnesota House of Representatives. These students will get terrific opportunities to participate in the operations of the Minnesota Legislature. Some of these opportunities include meeting with their state representative, observing the legislative process up close, participating in activities in the House chamber, engaging in mock committee meetings, and meeting state officials.

The program officially starts on February 7th and concludes on May 20th. Additionally, a small stipend is available.

To apply, follow this link or call (651) 296-7452.  

The High School Page Program is open to all Minnesota high school students in their JUNIOR year. If you know a high school junior who would like to learn more about our state government and legislative process, I encourage you to send them this information!

 

Tim Miller