Video & Transcript Research : 'Department of Agriculture'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, AEN-WLA-EDT, AEN-GVO, AEN DEFER, AEN, AEN-EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- of Health, Department Nakano, Department of Health, Department of<00:57:19.680>
Health <00:57: - First of all, Kitayashi and education DOE. of agriculture and agricultural of agriculture and agricultural
- That's for agribusiness and support, Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
- Agriculture<01:15:51.040>
and of College of Tropical Agriculture and of College of Tropical
Keywords:
workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation
Summary:
The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers.
The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG.
The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-TRS, EDT-AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- department of agriculture and biocur's department of agriculture and biocur's authority<00:02:27.440
- ADC HTDC and department then department of<00:27:15.279>
agriculture <00:27:15.840>executed - United States Department of the United States Department of Agriculture<00:54:30.240>
for <00: - > and<01:07:52.960>
Biocurity Department of Agriculture and Biocurity Department of Agriculture - <01:58:32.320>
of understanding by the department of understanding by the department of agriculture
Keywords:
biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229.
The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor.
A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The hour of 1 o'clock having arrived, the Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy is called to order
- This bill is language given to us by the Department of Agriculture.
- of Agriculture it allows the MDA to of Agriculture it allows the MDA to accept<00:01:08.520>
a - funding to the Department of a and to funding to the Department of a and to the<00:07:48.319>
people - We make priorities that we've kind of gotten off the topic of helping agriculture.
Keywords:
Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on General Government (1-29-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, we're proud to have with us from the Department of Agriculture some guests with us this morning
- of Agriculture today.
- of Agriculture today.
- >
Department <00:01:36.960>of <00:01:37.119>Agriculture Kentucky Department of Agriculture - That's where it is in Kentucky is with Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20
Approval of Minutes 00:00:41
Department of Agriculture 00:01:06, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard a budget presentation from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Department representatives Brandon Reid, Lee Macintosh, and Mark Bolan outlined the agency’s funding mix and requested support for several priorities in House Bill 500, including continuation of existing items, county fair grants, and an additional $5 million for the new economic development fund. They also discussed a capital request to replace two aging scale trucks, noting the vehicles are from 2002 and 2006 and have become unreliable and expensive to repair.
The department emphasized several additional needs: funding to begin regulating and inspecting electric vehicle charging stations through the weights and measures division, retention and recruitment funding after losing 108 employees over three years, and a request to pay off tobacco-related debt service so more money can flow through the tobacco formula. They also cited House Bill 417, filed by Speaker Osborne, as supporting farmland preservation, saying the agency has a program ready but needs funding to implement it. Officials said the farm-to-food-banks and rural mental health items in the budget were acceptable as reduced by the tobacco formula.
Members asked questions about pump inspection fees and staffing losses. The department said the inspection fee is $100 per station, not per pump, and that the same fee applies even to larger stations. On retention and recruitment, officials said the cost of turnover is significant but they did not have a dollar estimate. No votes were taken beyond the motion to approve the minutes, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub on General Government (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- out that our new secretary of out that our new secretary of agriculture<00:04:49.680>
has - He said the Department of Agriculture desperately needs to look at that to bring it up to par with other
- Department of Agriculture.
- of Agriculture.
- Department of Agriculture and look Department of Agriculture and look forward<00:10:12.600>
to
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19
Department of Agriculture 00:01:29, 958, all
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met with Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell to discuss the Department of Agriculture’s current budget priorities and the impact of recent legislative investments. Shell praised funding for the Farms to Food Bank program, saying it helps food banks serve Kentuckians, especially seniors, while also supporting farmers. He also highlighted County Fair Grant funding, noting a $250,000 increase helped finance a record nine county fair projects, and he described the Raising Hope rural mental health, suicide prevention, and farm safety program as life-saving, citing one event in Owensboro where 14 people were sent to the hospital after health screenings.
Shell also addressed emergency preparedness and bird flu response, saying the department’s Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response is working effectively and that Kentucky has not had affected commercial or backyard flocks, only some wild geese cases. He discussed federal efforts to address egg prices and avian influenza, including biosecurity, farmer relief, and research funding, and said he expects those actions to affect prices in the coming months. He also urged the committee to codify Senate Bill 28 and referenced House Joint Resolution 371, which he said would allow the department to retain $5 million for rural economic development efforts aimed at attracting processors and other large-scale operations.
In response to questions from Representative Hart, Shell said the department’s disaster role is mainly to coordinate response plans and identify agricultural needs for state and federal relief, rather than provide direct relief funding itself. He said recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky has mainly affected hay supplies for livestock producers, and that the department is working with the Cattlemen’s Association and UK Extension to locate affected farmers and secure hay donations. Shell closed by asking for continued support for agriculture economic development and for improved staff recruitment and retention, saying the department struggles to compete with other state agencies for employees. The meeting ended with thanks and adjournment, with the next meeting announced for the following Thursday.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- To the Department of Agriculture.
- Department of Agriculture. Department of Agriculture.
- It was a Department of Natural Resources bill that affects Department of Agriculture statutes.
- Department of Agricultures policy bill. Department of Agricultures policy bill.
- Anthony Cordela, Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Keywords:
agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Jan 30, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Agriculture and Bio Department of Agriculture and Bio Security.<00:09:26.000>
Thank - :12:29.200>
Biocurity Department of Agriculture and Biocurity Department of Agriculture and Biocurity - >
it the department of agriculture itself it the department of agriculture itself it again<00: - Department of Agriculture.
- Department of Agriculture.
Keywords:
biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Mar 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- That's just it's going to be composed of five members appointed by the State Board of Agriculture, and
- That wheat contaminated other wheat that was in the bin, and the Department of DEcu and the Department
- This bill's clarifying that it will be a problem of the Department of Ag.
- What they can do from either DEcu or Department of Ag. So, we've put this in Department of Ag.
- I'm checking with the Department of Ag right now, but that might be something we look at putting in
Keywords:
landowner, energy negotiation, agricultural preservation, orphaned wells, renewable energy, raw milk, unpasteurized milk, milk products, dairy, pasteurization, food safety, consumer warning label, health warning, farm sales, direct-to-consumer sales, ungraded milk, goat milk, raw milk cheese, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, agricultural regulation
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Department of Agriculture."
- :30.480>
of is an employee of the department of is an employee of the department of agriculture - > having the Department of Agriculture of having the Department of Agriculture of having those<00
- <01:01:08.000>
and Department of Agriculture of new and Department of Agriculture of new and - <01:02:33.359>
of be helpful with the Department of be helpful with the Department of Agriculture
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:15
Office of the Secretary of State 00:01:59
Office of the Attorney General 00:12:40
Department of Agriculture 00:22:44, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process.
Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work.
Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, uh, kudos to the Department of Agriculture.
- <00:18:59.559>
of uh kudos to the Department of uh kudos to the Department of Agriculture< - <00:25:51.679>
joined Department of Agriculture and I'm joined Department of Agriculture and - Departments of Agriculture um State Departments of Agriculture um talking<00:26:05.159>
about - I'm with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Bills:
HF1063
Keywords:
grain buyers, grain dealer, grain elevator, agriculture, financial reporting, audit, CPA review, independent accountant, financial statement, balance sheet, cash flow, nonpublic data, licensee oversight, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, grain purchase volume, insolvency, nonpayment, warehouse chain, fiduciary duties, producer protection
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:07:11.919>
of from Maui County Department of from Maui County Department of Agriculture - department of agriculture and biocurity department of agriculture and biocurity and<00:28:06.960
- >
Agriculture Requires the Department of Agriculture Requires the Department of Agriculture and - [laughter] Agriculture and Biocurity, Department of Agriculture and Biocurity, Department of Land<00:
- > of program within the department of program within the department of agriculture<01:22:06.000><
Bills:
SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320
Keywords:
coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas.
The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups.
The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] The hour of 1:00 having arrived, I’ll call this meeting of the House Agriculture Finance and
- In conclusion, she said she very much appreciates that the Department of Agriculture has recognized the
- Chair Anderson asked whether anyone from the Department could give a brief rundown of activity in the
- of Agriculture.
- He said the heart of the bill is about the administration of the grants, and he asked whether the department
Keywords:
HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is brought to us by the Department of Agriculture as a simple maintenance bill to clean up
- Senate Bill 311 removes the section that requires the Department of Agriculture to issue a license for
- those records available for inspection by the Department of Agriculture.
- those records available for inspection by the Department of Agriculture.
- That also sounds like, just pointing out, you already have the Department of Agriculture, DNREC, and
Keywords:
pesticide, licensing, agriculture, landscaper, grain inspector, record keeping, Delaware agriculture, certified applicators, regulatory compliance, HB371, Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Act, farmland preservation, agricultural lands, agricultural preservation district, Farmland Preservation Advisory Board, county advisory board, Delaware Foundation, Department of Agriculture, DNREC, planning and zoning
Summary:
The House Agriculture Committee met with a quorum present and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53 would codify and continue the Farm to Community Program if federal support is reduced or unavailable, prioritize Delaware farmers, and require reporting and transparency. Testimony in support came from the Delaware Farm Bureau, the Academy of Medicine and Public Health, and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jimmy Crone, who said the department supports the bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to release the bill by roll call.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 311, a Department of Agriculture maintenance bill updating Title 3 provisions related to plant industry and pesticides. The bill removes an outdated $100 license fee, requires certified private applicators to keep pesticide application records available for inspection, expands the definition of landscaper to include commercial entities installing their own nursery stock, and removes a good-character requirement for grain inspector applicants. With no public comment or questions, the committee voted to release the bill by roll call.
Finally, House Bill 371, sponsored by Representative Vanderwyn, would streamline the Agland Preservation Act by eliminating a redundant county advisory board step for farmland preservation districts. Representative Vanderwyn and Deputy Secretary Crone explained that the advisory boards were more useful when the program was new, but now the county planning and zoning commissions and the Department of Agriculture already provide the needed review. After brief discussion, with no public comment, the committee voted to release the bill by roll call and then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture (11-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- economic Department of Agriculture, the economic Department of Agriculture, the economic development
- of agriculture, which our department of agriculture, which which<00:15:44.560>
we <00:15:44.800 - Department of Agriculture that we need to go through.
- c> the the Department of Agriculture for the the Department of Agriculture for the last<01:04:28.799
- General counsel for the Department of Agriculture.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:01:00
Approval of Minutes 00:02:31
Kentucky Farm Bureau 00:02:42
Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:28:18
Kentucky Cattlemen's Association 01:48:13, 958, all
Summary:
The committee heard first from Kentucky Farm Bureau leaders, who outlined the organization’s current priorities and recent work on farmland transition. Eddie Melton said Farm Bureau is working through 983 county and advisory committee resolutions and highlighted support for the updated selling farmer tax credit, now law through House Bill 775, as well as Senate Bill 28’s agriculture economic development provisions. He said Farm Bureau’s likely priorities include maintaining the 50% share of the tobacco settlement fund for agriculture, protecting funding for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, preserving sales tax exemptions on farm inputs, keeping property taxes controlled, and exploring additional tools to keep farmland in active farmers’ hands, including possible loan or inheritance-tax changes. He also raised concerns about eminent domain transparency, nuisance deer permits, and access to agricultural inputs and crop protection products.
Alita Bots described the farmland transition initiative in more detail, saying the revised state tax credit is generating strong interest and that a new federal tax provision now allows eligible land sales to actively engaged farmers to spread capital gains taxes over time. She said the initiative has reached 22 counties and more than 1,300 people this year through outreach and meetings, and that Farm Bureau is pairing policy work with resources to help farm families plan transitions and prepare wills and other estate documents. Drew Graham added that the effort is also meant to bridge the rural-urban divide and support rural communities, and Farm Bureau invited members to its annual meeting in early December.
Members asked about rising insurance costs and deer damage. Farm Bureau representatives said severe convective storms, inflation, and higher repair and material costs have driven insurance rate increases, citing five major storm events since 2021 and a recent Owensboro hailstorm that caused about $350 million in losses; they said the company is moving toward percentage deductibles to help moderate increases. On deer, they said crop-loss totals are hard to quantify but acknowledged the problem and discussed possible coordination with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Hunters for the Hungry. Commissioner Jonathan Shell then began the Department of Agriculture presentation, reporting gains from the department’s school agriculture outreach program, including a 23% increase in county participation between March and September and improved teacher-reported student learning, before continuing into the department’s legislative priorities.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Common Education REVISION 3: SB1410 - Link added Apr 1st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Common Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So, current law provides that exception for districts with ADM of 400 or fewer.
- It's a request bill from the Department of Agriculture and it simply places the program into statute
- The Department of Ag sees it's it's advantages. It's good that it's done for so many years.
- It's done a lot of good, so they'd like to have it in statute. Are there further questions?
- There's a but we will be back next week with a little bit bigger list of bills.
Keywords:
school boards, educational governance, conflict of interest, employee relations, Oklahoma statutes, SB1410, Oklahoma agriculture, Ag in the Classroom, agricultural education, K-12 curriculum, teacher incentives, rural schools, urban schools, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, State Department of Education, OSU Cooperative Extension Service, classroom grants, farm education, ag literacy, school outreach
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a long-retired career employee of the Game and Fish Department.
- We work very closely with the Department of Game and Fish and with the Wildlife Commission.
- the Department of Education rather than the Governor and the Secretary of Education on education priorities
- the Department of Education rather than the governor and the secretary.
- Department of Education rather than the Governor and the Secretary of Education on education priorities
Keywords:
wildlife commission, removal procedures, malfeasance, appointed officials, governance, education reform, public education, state board of education, superintendent, chartering authority, constitutional amendment, policy setting, insects, insect workshop, insect identification, ecology, monitoring, management, pollinators, pollination
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Tom Peterson, Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
- >
just Department of Agriculture and I just Department of Agriculture and I just wanted<01:13: - Department of Agriculture.
- of Agriculture so minister Department of Agriculture so when<01:36:14.840>
animals <01:36:15.280 - I guess as extensive as the amendment is, and maybe Department of Agriculture would like to speak to
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Could the Department of Agriculture come forward?
- of Agriculture come the Department of Agriculture come forward Welcome.
- I serve as an assistant director at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
- for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
- Mark Abrahamson, Plant Protection Director at the Department of Agriculture.
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill fully funds the Department of Agriculture.
- fully funds the department of educa Department<00:05:11.160>
of <00:05:11.440>Agriculture< - it provides a Department of Agriculture it provides a much<00:05:13.600>
needed <00:05:13.960> - Yet the budget here is less than one quarter of 1%, and I do not want to see the Department of Agriculture
- of Agriculture itself.
Keywords:
Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Director of the Ag Marketing and Development Division at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- are Department of Ag, and some roles are Department of Health.
- And Commissioner from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, coming in a little hot here.
- Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health.
- My name is Michelle Medina, and I serve as Director of Government Relations for the Department of Agriculture
Keywords:
beginning farmers, agriculture, loans, economic opportunity, farmers' equity, agriculture appropriations, farm to school, early care, child care food program, school lunch program, local food, Minnesota agriculture, food access, farm-to-institution, limited market access, county fairs, biofuels, E25, ethanol, meat processing