The third week of the legislative session is in the books. The House Agriculture Committee heard bills on wolf and elk depredation, establishing a crime for damage to farm machinery and equipment, and veterinary medicine and technology. They also received an update from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) program and welcomed the FFA state officers. The Senate Agriculture Committee also heard from the FFA state officers and various agricultural organizations.


HF 3580 (Burkel)/SF 3949 (Johnson) - Depredation compensation payments appropriation.

Summary: Appropriates $250,000 to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for wolf and elk depredation payments to farmers and ranchers.

Position: Support as written.

To our members: For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has already depleted its funds for depredation payments before the end of the fiscal year, which ends June 30. While this issue is part of a broader conversation on how the state manages its wolf and elk populations, this bill would cover the funding shortfall and allow MDA to resume payments prior to July 1.

Status: Laid over in the House Agriculture Committee on 03/02/2026. Introduced in the Senate on 02/26/2026 and referred to the Agriculture Committee.

 

SF 3583 (Putnam)/HF 3692 (Smith) - Farmer-Lender Mediation Act extension provision.

Summary: Extends the expiration date of the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act from this year to 2032.

Position: Support as written.

To our members: In an extremely challenging farm economy, it is critical for farmers struggling with debt to have options. Through FLM, farmers can renegotiate, restructure, or resolve their debt. Extending this program, which will otherwise expire this year, keeps these options on the table.

Action taken by MFBF: Signed on to a joint letter of support with other agriculture groups.

Status: Passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on 03/02/2026 and sent to the Higher Education Committee. Introduced in the House on 03/05/2026 and referred to the Agriculture Committee.

 

The MFBF public policy team and leadership are keeping track of everything that happens at the Capitol. Throughout the session, we will continue to provide updates and insight into our work on behalf of our members.