North Dakota Soybean Growers Association : Murphys’ Law #4

Murphy's Law #4 of the 65th Legislative Session
Just now an official from the Bank of ND asked me what issues the Soybean Growers are following - I get that a lot. My answer can be simple as in 'soybean growers are citizens so almost everything seems to apply', or if they really seem to care, I tell them what we are following that particular day. You really care, so here is what yesterday and today have been about:
Tuesday started out with a board conference call on 1126, the PSC bill attempting to change their regulatory role with grain dealers and the financial protections inherent in that business. There were a lot of discussions on 1126 during the day until around 5:30 at the Capitol and later on the phone into the night. I also attended hearing in Judiciary on collection of property by affidavit thinking it might affect growers, but it turned out to be under $50,000 and did not look like it was going to pass. Today (Wednesday) started out with Scott and I discussing it over breakfast which led me to begin at the PSC with their chief legal counsel. Then I went down to House IB&L for a couple of hearings the first of which was about property sales price disclosures. I figured that mattered to farmers pretty directly, but it turned out that the change is not major and that if anyone really wants to know, they can find out at the courthouse who paid how much for what. Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute was in explaining to Appropriations what they do today and like most, asking to keep them at least even. Scott got up for us and asked the committee to keep UGPTI whole as they are critical to our roads, bridges and even rail systems. Coming up in twenty minutes is NDSU Extension with their important work, especially the Ag research. There is already a big cut figured in which is threatening research programs. Governor Burgum's is now asking for larger cuts. The overall mood is dark.