ST. PAUL -- The start of the 2009 state legislative session is a good time to look ahead at the major policy issues facing the agricultural community in the coming months. Normally, I focus on topics relating directly to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, but it is interesting to note that a good number of the important policy issues for 2009 are most closely associated with other agencies.
As most people know, the state is facing a massive budget deficit that will be the primary focus for much of the 2009 legislative session. Like all state agencies, MDA will need to contribute to the solution. However, the biggest battles likely will be fought over other larger portions of the state's budget.
Also, there has been plenty of talk about the "Green Acres" program, the changes made last year and the implications for Minnesota farmers and rural landowners. The Minnesota Department of Revenue has been the lead agency on this issue at the state Legislature, but MDA also will be at the table as concerns of stakeholders are addressed and we stand ready to offer technical advice to decision-makers.
Cattle rules
There are at least two other notable issues for which MDA is not the lead agency, and yet there are potentially significant implications for Minnesota livestock producers.
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First, the Food and Drug Administration will implement a new rule April 27 prohibiting cattle older than 30 months from being rendered into animal feed -- including pet foods -- without first having the brains and spinal cords removed. The rule adds further protection against bovine spongiform encephalopathy, but it presents potential challenges for producers if it affects the ability and willingness of rendering companies to accept farm-dead cattle.
Recognizing the potential impact of this new rule, MDA has formed a study group that includes livestock processors, rendering companies, farm groups and regulators. This group is working to help the state's ag community adjust as smoothly as possible to this new rule. Meantime, I recommend that livestock producers have conversations with their rendering company, feedlot officer and extension staff to keep informed and consider the right economic and environmentally sound contingency plan for their operation by early March, well before the late April deadline.
OLA deadlines
A second emerging issue for livestock producers to follow this year is the approaching 2010 deadline for producers who signed Open Lot Agreements with the state in 2000. OLAs were established by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to encourage producers to correct open-lot feedlot runoff issues in a timeframe that was reasonable and affordable for operations with fewer than 300 animal units. The agreements required final corrective measures by October 2010.
Many producers already have made these changes, but for those who have not, there still is time.
Every producer's situation will vary, but the core message is this: If you are a livestock producer who signed up for an OLA and you think you may run into difficulty completing the necessary environmental improvements by 2010 deadline, talk with your local feedlot officer, regional MPCA staff or a member of the MDA livestock development team. We all know problems identified and discussed in advance are much easier to solve.
Editor's Note: Hugoson is the Minnesota agriculture commissioner.
