Blog

Murphy’s Law 2023 | #9
There is a lot happening in Bismarck

This week saw NDSU’s Research and Extension budget hearing by the House Appropriations subcommittee which dives deeper into the details. It seems from the discussion on this bill, HB 1020, that the number one priority coming in is going to be fully funded. Now called the Ag Field Lab, this $97 million facility would be […]

This week saw NDSU’s Research and Extension budget hearing by the House Appropriations subcommittee which dives deeper into the details. It seems from the discussion on this bill, HB 1020, that the number one priority coming in is going to be fully funded. Now called the Ag Field Lab, this $97 million facility would be a victory for plant breeding and combatting pathology in North Dakota...

NDSGA | Legislative Report
January 27, 2023

HB 1437 is one of the bills being debated in this session to enhance animal agriculture in the state. NDSGA Executive Director Nancy Johnson and Representative Mike Beltz are featured.

HB 1437 is one of the bills being debated in this session to enhance animal agriculture in the state. NDSGA Executive Director Nancy Johnson and Representative Mike Beltz are featured.

Murphy’s Law 2023 | #8
Grain Bin and Zoning Bills

After testifying on HB 1370, which would allow a sales tax exemption on the construction of grain bins for the next two years, it came to the floor. The committee vote was 8 to 5. We expected it to be close and it turned out the ratio was kind of similar as it passed on […]

After testifying on HB 1370, which would allow a sales tax exemption on the construction of grain bins for the next two years, it came to the floor. The committee vote was 8 to 5. We expected it to be close and it turned out the ratio was kind of similar as it passed on the floor 55-36. So now it will crossover to the Senate for trial there. 
Today, I introduced NDSGA Executive Director...

Murphy’s Law 2023 | #7
County and Township funding bills

This morning your NDSGA testified on two bills that would help rural road funding. The first was SB 2275 and it would move a $400 million bucket called the SIIF –Strategic Investment and Improvement Fund- which fills from the Prairie Dog formula (oil tax is the fountain that fills these buckets). City, County and Township […]

This morning your NDSGA testified on two bills that would help rural road funding.
The first was SB 2275 and it would move a $400 million bucket called the SIIF –Strategic Investment and Improvement Fund- which fills from the Prairie Dog formula (oil tax is the fountain that fills these buckets). City, County and Township Infrastructure are the next bucket if enough money comes to fill it....

Murphy’s Law Blog 2023 | #6
Getting Somewhere

Today, I was able to join Representative Paul Thomas and the North Dakota Ag Commissioner in testifying favorably on HB 1148. The bill establishes a $15 million Ag Infrastructure Fund whereby political subdivisions could access up to $2.5 million to help with costs associated with value added projects. As an example, NDSGA used the $25 […]

Today, I was able to join Representative Paul Thomas and the North Dakota Ag Commissioner in testifying favorably on HB 1148. The bill establishes a $15 million Ag Infrastructure Fund whereby political subdivisions could access up to $2.5 million to help with costs associated with value added projects. As an example, NDSGA used the $25 million re-do of Stutsman County Road 62 for a 10-mile...

NDSGA | Legislative Report
January 20, 2023

North Dakota Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Pete Hanebutt discusses the proposed carbon capture pipeline.

North Dakota Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Pete Hanebutt discusses the proposed carbon capture pipeline.

Murphy’s Law Blog | #5
Bills Still Pouring In

Today, Rep. Thomas presented HB 1147. It asks for $100 million/year for the next 10 years for county and township bridges. The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute states that we need about $95 million a year for the next 20 years to get our bridges up to snuff.   Earlier, I brought support for Senator […]

Today, Rep. Thomas presented HB 1147. It asks for $100 million/year for the next 10 years for county and township bridges. The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute states that we need about $95 million a year for the next 20 years to get our bridges up to snuff.
 
Earlier, I brought support for Senator Wanzek’s bill which would allow monies to counties and townships for snow removal...

Murphy’s Law 2023 | #4
Some new Ag bills dropped

Today, we saw several bills concerning your industry. Bill numbers and a short summary follow if you would care to look them up: HB 1356 is about farmland purchased by foreigners (aliens in the bill) HB 1369 concerns funding fertilizer plant startups. HB 1370 is on sales tax exemption for on-farm grain bin/storage. HB 1371 […]

Today, we saw several bills concerning your industry. Bill numbers and a short summary follow if you would care to look them up:

HB 1356 is about farmland purchased by foreigners (aliens in the bill)
HB 1369 concerns funding fertilizer plant startups.
HB 1370 is on sales tax exemption for on-farm grain bin/storage.
HB 1371 is a description changing some definitions about who or what is...

NDSGA | Legislative Report
January 6, 2023

The appetite to incentivize animal agriculture in the state is high. North Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director Brenda Elmer outlines the options available to lawmakers.

The appetite to incentivize animal agriculture in the state is high. North Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director Brenda Elmer outlines the options available to lawmakers.

NDSGA | Legislative Report
December 30, 2022

The North Dakota legislative session begins Tuesday. In the first update for this session, House Agriculture Committee Chair Paul Thomas discusses the opportunities to expand animal agriculture in the state. 

The North Dakota legislative session begins Tuesday. In the first update for this session, House Agriculture Committee Chair Paul Thomas discusses the opportunities to expand animal agriculture in the state.