One of Minnesota Milk Producers Association’s top
legislative priorities became law this week as Governor Mark Dayton signed HF
1725. The measure allows smaller (single-unit) milk trucks a 10 percent
increase in their weight capacity, assuming they follow bridge limits and
recommended tire load weights.
According to Lucas Sjostrom, Minnesota Milk’s executive
director, the change was critical for the continuation of milk transport from
farms to processing plants. Rules limit the weight between front and back tires
of short milk trucks, making trucks that are otherwise legal on a per-axle
basis out of compliance.
“Working to fix issues like this one is exactly what
Minnesota Milk does best on behalf of all dairy producers,” said Sjostrom.
“We’re thankful to Representative Drazkowski and Senator Goggin for championing
this measure and helping to keep Minnesota’s milk trucks running safely but
efficiently.”
Another of Minnesota Milk’s priorities, increasing
processing capacity, will be helped by two new $1 million grants available to
plants which are expanding.
Two budget items backed by Minnesota Milk will also help
contribute to new and beginning farmer profitability.
Sjostrom says the legislature continued Livestock Investment
Grants and began a new tax credit program for beginning farmers, which will be
available for the first time in 2018.
In addition, Minnesota Milk worked to pass a $4 million
bonding measure for the City of Litchfield to upgrade its backup power to fully
accommodate First District Association’s dairy processing plant.
“Minnesota’s dairy farmers will benefit from these important
steps taken by the legislature and the governor this session,” said Dave Buck,
a Goodhue dairy producer and chairman of Minnesota Milk Producers Association.
“Initiatives we weren’t able to address this year will remain part of our
discussion with lawmakers throughout the year, in hopes of future action.”
Source: American Ag Radio Network